bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytogenetic and clinicopathological analysis of soft‐tissue leiomyosarcomas
Authors: Miyajima Kimitaka , Oda Yoshinao , Tamiya Sadafumi , Shimizu Kiichi , Hachitanda Yoichi , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi
Published: March 2003

To identify a characteristic cytogenetic aberration and cytogenetic‐morphological correlation in soft‐tissue leiomyosarcomas, a karyotypic and clinicopathological analysis of 15 cases of leiomyosarcoma was performed. The histological type was classical in nine cases, pleomorphic in three cases and myxoid in three cases. The histological grade was 1 in three cases, 2 in 10 cases and 3 in two cases. Nine of 15 tumors displayed an abnormal karyotype, whereas the other six tumors displayed a normal karyotype. The relative consistency of involvement of 3p, 3q, 6q, 7p, 7q, 9p, 10p, 11p, 11q, 12p, 16q, 17p and 19q was recognized, although characteristic chromosomal rearrangements were not detected. All six tumors that had a normal karyotype were of the classical type, whereas those displaying an abnormal karyotype contained another morphological type along with the classical type. The results of the present study suggest that chromosomal aberrations contribute to morphological changes in soft‐tissue leiomyosarcomas.
Characteristics and utility of nuclear‐encoded large‐subunit ribosomal gene sequences in phylogenetic studies of red algae
Authors: Freshwater D. Wilson , Fredericq Suzanne , Bailey J. Craig
Published: March 2003

Primer sequences are described for amplifying and sequencing a large fragment (approximately 2500 b.p.) of the nuclear‐encoded large‐subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU) from red algae. In comparison to RuBisCo large‐subunit gene (rbcL) and nuclear‐encoded small‐subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU) sequence data, LSU sequence data was intermediate in the number of phylogenetically informative positions and sequence divergence. Parsimony analysis of LSU sequences for 16 Gelidiales species resolved some nodes unresolved in rbcL and SSU parsimony trees. An analysis of LSU sequences from 13 species of red algae classified in 11 orders suggests that this gene may be useful in studies of higher‐level relationships of red algae.
Chemical races in the red alga Laurencia nipponica (Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales)
Authors: Abe Tsuyoshi , Masuda Michio , Suzuki Teruaki , Suzuki Minoru
Published: March 2003

Genetic variation in the synthesis of halogenated secondary metabolites in the Japanese marine red alga Laurencia nipponica Yamada (Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales) has been investigated in laboratory crossing experiments and chemical analyses, F1 tetrasporophytes and F1 gametophytes resulting from crosses within chemical races produced major metabolites characteristic of these races. F1 tetrasporophytes derived from reciprocal interracial crosses produced: (i) both parental types of secondary metabolites; (ii) either of the parental types; or (iii) a further major compound in addition to both parental types or in addition to either of the parental types. The latter cases suggest that hybrid‐specific products were formed by the combined enzymatic complements of the parents, as F1 gametophytes derived from these interracial F1 tetrasporophytes yielded one or other of their parental products in an approximate 1:1 ratio. The population structure was analyzed at localities in Hokkaido, where two of the chemical races occur sympatrically. At Usujiri (Minami‐kayabe), where the prepacifenol race and the laureatin race were sym‐patric, hybrid gametophytes (recombination type) were found in high frequency in addition to hybrid tetra sporophytes, which strongly suggests that a new, pre‐pacifenol/laureatm race is beginning to be produced by natural hybridization and recombination. By contrast, at Oshoro Bay, where the laurencin race and the epi‐lauraliene race grew together, the interracial hybrids were rare: only a few tetrasporophytes (probably F1 generation) were found, suggesting that racial integrity may be retained by habitat segregation and/or the absence of recombination‐type gametophytes.
Turbinaria foliosasp. nov. (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) from the Sultanate of Oman, with a census of currently recognized species in the genus Turbinaria
Authors: Wynne Michael J.
Published: March 2003

Turbinaria foliosasp. nov. is described on the basis of several collections made from Dhofar, Sultanate of Oman. The new species is known only from southern Oman, a region of the northern Arabian Sea that is strongly impacted by the upwelling from the summertime monsoon. It is distinguished from other species of the genus by the shape of the leaves and by their loose, non‐congested arrangement. Air vesicles, embedded in the leaves, may be present, but more often are absent. A census of the currently recognized species in the genus Turbinaria is provided. Reference is made to Sargassum turbinarioides and Sargassum turbinati‐folium. These species possess discrete blades and spherical vesicles and thus conform to Sargassum.
Haramonas viridissp. nov. (Raphidophyceae, Heterokontophyta), a new sand‐dwelling raphidophyte from cold temperate waters
Authors: Horiguchi Takeo , Hoppenrath Mona
Published: March 2003

A new, marine, sand‐dwelling raphidophyte from Sylt, Germany, Haramonas viridis Horiguchi et Hoppenrath sp. nov. is described. This represents a second species in the previously monotypic genus Haramonas, which was originally described from a sand sample from a mangrove river mouth in tropical Australia, based on the type species, H. dimorpha. This new species from a cold temperate region: (i) possesses a tubular invagi‐nation in the posterior part of the cell; (ii) produces copious amounts of mucilage in culture; (iii) possesses both motile and non‐motile stages in its life cycle; and (iv) has overlapping discoidal chloroplasts, all of which are diagnostic features of the genus Haramonas. Therefore, it is indisputable that this species belongs to this genus. However, the species from Sylt differs from the type species of the genus in: (i) having a larger cell size; (ii) possessing a larger number of chloroplasts; and (iii) being greenish in color. The ultrastructural study revealed that the structure of the tubular invagi‐nation was the same as that of the type species.
A 21‐aminosteroid, U‐74006F, attenuates endotoxin‐induced lung injury in awake sheep
Authors: Kubo Keishi , Amari Toshiya , Kaneki Toshimichi , Hanaoka Masayuki , Hayano Toshihide , Miyahara Takashige , Koyama Shigeru , Koizumi Tomonobu , Fujimoto Keisaku , Kobayashi Toshio
Published: March 2003

The purpose of the present study was to examine the efficacy of U‐74006F, a 21‐aminosteroid, on lung dysfunction induced by endotoxaemia in awake sheep with lung lymph fistula and haemodynamic monitoring. We measured pulmonary haemodynamics, lung lymph balance, circulating leucocyte count, arterial blood gas tensions, and levels of thromboxane (Tx) B2 and 6‐keto‐prostaglandin (PG) F1α in plasma and lung lymph. We performed two experiments. In experiment 1 (n = 6), we intravenously infused Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (1 μg/kg) over 30 min and observed the parameters over 5 h. In experiment 2 (n = 6), we pretreated sheep with an intravenous bolus of U‐74006F (2 mg/kg) 30 min before the infusion of endotoxin in the same manner of experiment 1, and continuously infused U‐74006F (0.5 mg/kg per h) over 5 h after the bolus during the experiment. The U‐74006F significantly suppressed the early pulmonary hypertension, the late increase in pulmonary permeability and the elevations of TxB2 and 6‐keto‐PGF1α levels in plasma and lung lymph during the early period following endotoxaemia, although the compound did not change the time course of leucocytopenia and hypoxaemia. These findings suggest that the administration of U‐74006F attenuates the lung dysfunction induced by endotoxaemia in awake sheep.
The facilitating effect of cigarette smoke on the colonization of instilled bacteria into the tracheal lumen in rats and the improving influence of supplementary vitamin E on this process
Authors: Özlü Tevfik , Çay Mehmet , Akbulut Ayhan , Yekeler Hayrettin , Naziroglu Mustafa , Aksakal Mesut
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the direct influence of cigarette smoke on the bacterial colonization of the lower respiratory tract and the effect of supplementary vitamin E on the colonization of instilled bacteria into the trachea of rats that do not have the chronic airway pathology associated with smoking.

Methodology: Thirty male Wistar albino rats, weighing approximately 250 g, were used as experimental animals. A 0.1 mL bacterial suspension containing six bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Haemophilus influenza, Peptostreptococci spp.), isolated previously from pharynx of rats, were instilled into the trachea of three groups of rat (10 control, 10 cigarette smoke‐treated and 10 cigarette smoke‐ and vitamin E‐supplemented rats). The smoke‐treated rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for 3 days prior to and after intratracheal instillation. The third group of rats were given vitamin E supplements (100 mg/kg per day). Tracheobronchial lavage samples of all rats were quantitatively cultured after 3 days from the instillation.

Results: The colony numbers of isolated bacteria were significantly higher in cigarette smoke‐treated rats than in the control group and in the smoke‐ and vitamin E‐supplemented rats (P < 0.05). Only S. aureus and S. epidermidis were isolated from vitamin E‐supplemented rats, while instilled all six bacterial species were isolated from the other two groups.

Conclusions: It is concluded that smoking impairs the elimination of bacteria or facilitates colonization of bacteria in the lower respiratory tract of rats. Supplementary treatment with vitamin E reduces the effect of cigarette smoke; however, some bacteria may be resistant to this action of vitamin E.
Unusual radiological presentation and rapid fatal progression of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in an immunocompetent young patient
Authors: Parameswaran K , Joshi M , Ravindran P
Published: March 2003

Invasive aspergillosis occurs very rarely in immunocompetent hosts. We describe a 21‐year‐old female with no obvious immunosuppression or underlying lung disease, who presented with minimal symptoms and bilateral hilar prominence on chest X‐ray. Invasive aspergillosis was diagnosed on an open lung biopsy. She deteriorated in the ensuing 2 weeks and died of a sudden massive haemoptysis. This initial radiological abnormality and the rapid clinical course of the disease in young immunocompetent patients have not been previously reported.
Giant cell arteritis presenting as chronic cough and prolonged fever
Authors: Lim Kim‐Hatt , Liam Chong‐Kin , Vasudevan Andy E , Wong Catherine Mee‐Ming
Published: March 2003

A 62‐year‐old man presented with a 3‐month history of chronic non‐productive cough and unexplained fever. Further questioning revealed that he had headaches and myalgia. Bilateral thickened temporal arteries were noted on physical examination. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 96 mm in 1 h. A biopsy specimen of the left temporal artery showed inflammatory changes consistent with the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. Commencement of prednisolone resulted in rapid and dramatic resolution of his symptoms. Physicians should be aware of respiratory symptoms in patients with giant cell arteritis in order to avoid delay in diagnosis and therapy of this condition.
Induced sputum eosinophils in the assessment of asthma and chronic cough*
Authors: Wark Peter Ab , Gibson Peter G , Fakes Kellie
Published: March 2003

Objective:

To evaluate induced sputum eosinophils in asthma and chronic cough.

Design: This was an analytical, cross‐sectional study set in an ambulatory respiratory clinic.

Subjects: Subjects (n = 75) referred for evaluation of symptomatic asthma or episodic respiratory symptoms had a clinical assessment, spirometry, hypertonic saline challenge and induced sputum. Two diagnostic groups were identified. The first group comprised subjects with symptomatic asthma and variable airway obstruction (VAO) (n = 32). The second group included subjects with episodic respiratory symptoms and no VAO (n = 43).

Results: The prevalence of eosinophilic bronchitis (eosinophils > 2.75%) was greatest in asthma (n = 14, 44%), compared to the episodic respiratory symptoms group (n = 9, 21%, P = 0.02). Clinical variables did not predict increased eosinophils (P > 0.05). Sputum eosinophils were highest in asthmatics not using inhaled corticosteroids (6.5%vs 0.5%, P = 0.02). Sputum neutrophils were higher in subjects using inhaled corticosteroid (53%vs 25%, P = 0.04).

Conclusion: Airway inflammation with eosinophilia was common among patients presenting to a respiratory clinic, especially those with asthma who were not using inhaled corticosteroids. Induced sputum also identified eosinophilic bronchitis in those without asthma. It was not possible to detect the presence or absence of airway eosinophilia by routine clinical assessment. The results in this study imply that the assessment of induced sputum eosinophils may be a useful guide to therapy, especially in the assessment of persistent symptoms in asthmatics on corticosteroids, and in the assessment of non‐asthmatic subjects with symptoms.
Post‐inhalation bronchoconstriction by beclomethasone dipropionate: A comparison of two different CFC propellant formulations in asthmatics
Authors: Ruffin Richard E. , Campbell Donald A. , Chia Mon M.
Published: March 2003

Objective:

To assess the change in bronchial response to cumulative doses from two beclomethasone dipropionate metered‐dose inhalers (MDI), each using chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants, in asthma patients previously showing falls in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) shortly after exposure to beclomethasone MDI.

Methodology: A total of 18 patients were randomized to a single‐blind, three‐period cross‐over treatment regimen, whereby each was administered increasing doses of control mixture (containing surfactant and CFC propellants) or beclomethasone, formulated as either Becloforte™ or Respocort™ (250–1000 μg per dose; cumulative dose 2000 μg). Bronchial response was measured by comparison of FEV1 values pre‐ and post‐inhalation.

Results: Respocort formulation produced the least post‐dose mean maximum reduction in FEV1 (0.36 ± 0.17 L; 14.3 ± 7.2% of baseline FEV1), while the reduction caused by the control was similar (0.40 ± 0.18 L; 16.2 ± 9.9% of baseline FEV1). Becloforte produced a significantly greater maximum reduction in FEV1 than Respocort (0.55 ± 0.32 L, P = 0.003; 22.0 ± 15.3% of baseline FEV1, P = 0.005). No serious adverse events were reported, but four patients experienced falls in FEV1 of greater than 15% (three on Becloforte, one using the control).

Conclusion: The incidence of falls in FEV1 following use of beclomethasone MDI was low and generally not serious even in a selected population. The Becloforte preparation produced significantly more post‐dose bronchoconstriction than the Respocort formulation, perhaps because of differences in the composition of the surfactant and/or CFC propellant mixtures used to formulate each of the aerosols.
Pulmonary tissue volume measured by acetylene rebreathing under artificial ventilation
Authors: Mizuno Kohsuke , Ichinose Yuichi , Ishii Hitoshi , Nishi Isao
Published: March 2003

Objective:

In order to evaluate the pulmonary congestive state of patients being mechanically ventilated, an acetylene rebreathing method was employed. Measurement of pulmonary tissue volume by the acetylene (C2H2) rebreathing method was performed in 15 patients under artificial ventilation including four congestive heart failure cases, one renal failure case, and 12 healthy controls.

Methodology: The subjects rebreathed mixed gas containing 0.65% C2H2, 10% argon (Ar), and 60% oxygen (O2) from end‐tidal level, and inspiratory and expiratory gas concentrations were measured by a mass spectrometer. Correction for system volume reduction during rebreathing due to gas exchange and C2H2 concentration fluctuation was performed, pulmonary tissue volume was calculated from the C2H2 and Ar concentration difference at the time zero intercept. Time zero was assumed to be the time at which C2H2 and Ar concentration started to differ.

Results: Pulmonary tissue volume per functional residual capacity and pulmonary tissue volume per pulmonary capillary blood flow for cases with congestive heart failure and renal failure cases were significantly higher than those for non‐pulmonary congestion cases and normal controls.

Conclusion: The measurement of pulmonary tissue volume by C2H2 rebreathing can be applied to the patients under artificial ventilation in order to quantitatively evaluate pulmonary congestion or edema.
Craniofacial abnormalities in Japanese patients with severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Akashiba Tsuneto , Yamamoto Hitoshi , Kosaka Naoko , Horie Takashi
Published: March 2003

Objective: To clarify that factors besides obesity play an important role in the development of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in Japanese patients, we compared craniofacial structures in patients with severe OSAS with those of normal controls.

Methodology: The craniofacial structures of 60 Japanese patients with severe OSAS and 30 normal controls were evaluated using standard cephalometric analysis. Patients were stratified according to body mass index (BMI): non‐obese, BMI < 25; moderately obese, BMI = 25–30, severely obese, BMI > 30.

Results: The SNA (sella to nasion to subspinale angle) was significantly smaller in the patient groups than in the controls. The SNB (sella to nasion to supramentale angle) and NSBa (cranial base flexure) were significantly smaller in the non‐obese and moderately obese patients than in controls. The MP‐H (distance from the mandibular plane to the hyoid bone) and the PNS‐P (distance from the posterior nasal spine to the tip of the soft palate) were significantly longer in the patient groups than in the controls. The PNS‐P was significantly longer in the severely obese patients than in the non‐obese patients.

Conclusions: Japanese patients with severe OSAS have enlargement of the soft tissues and palate as well as craniofacial bony structural abnormalities. This is particularly apparent in non‐obese patients.
Prognostic factors in severe community‐acquired pneumonia in patients without co‐morbid illness
Authors: FELDMAN CHARLES , VILJOEN ESTHER , MORAR RAJEN , RICHARDS GUY , SAWYER LESLEY , MAHOMED AKHTER GOOLAM
Published: March 2003

Objectives: We wished to determine the prognostic factors and the impact of initial empirical antibiotic therapy on the outcome of severe community‐acquired pneumonia in patients without underlying co‐morbid illness.

Methodology: This is a retrospective record review of consecutive patients with severe community‐acquired pneumonia who were divided into those with and without underlying co‐morbid illness.

Results: There were 182 patients including 112 primary (no co‐morbid illness) and 70 secondary (underlying co‐morbid illness) pneumonias. The overall mortality was 41.8% and there were no differences in APACHE II score or mortality when comparing cases with primary (37.5%) and secondary infections (48.6%). The mortality was significantly higher in patients with negative microbiology. Univariate analysis identified a number of parameters and various antibiotic regimens, which appeared to be associated with a significantly poorer outcome. On multivariate analysis multilobar pulmonary consolidation, need for mechanical ventilation, inotropes and dialysis were documented to be independent predictors of mortality. Only in their absence could different antibiotic regimens be shown to have an apparent impact on outcome and further analysis suggested that the reason for these differences related predominantly to differences in the severity of the infection.

Conclusions: Markers of disease severity appear to be the most important predictors of outcome in patients with severe community‐acquired pneumonia.
Outcome evaluation of early discharge from hospital with asthma
Authors: KHAN Md Sanaur R. , HENRY Richard L. , HURST Tara
Published: March 2003

Objective:  The aim of the study was to determine whether it was safe to discharge children with asthma from hospital when stable on 3‐hourly rather than 4‐hourly doses of salbutamol.

Methodology:  A retrospective study of 419 individual admissions of 359 children with asthma was undertaken. We defined a theoretical ‘time ready for discharge’ (TRD) for asthmatic admissions based on: (i) at least two doses of 3‐hourly salbutamol and due for the third dose, (ii) no oxygen supplementation, (iii) no intravenous fluid or therapy, and (iv) time of discharge should be either before 17:30 hours or after 07:30 hours. Each admission was analysed using appropriate parameters to assess for risks and benefits of using this theoretical TRD as a guide for discharging asthmatic children from hospital.

Results:  A total of 116 (27.7%) children were discharged before our theoretical TRD, including 11 children who received salbutamol no less often than 2‐hourly and 37 who had a single dose of 3‐hourly salbutamol before discharge. Re‐admission to hospital and representation to the Emergency Department without re‐admission within 1 week of discharge were less common in the group who were discharged before they had achieved theoretical TRD than in those who were discharged at or after the theoretical TRD, although the numbers were too small to reach statistical significance. Between our theoretical TRD and actual time of discharge two children who received supplemental oxygen and more frequent salbutamol may have required re‐admission.

Conclusions:  From the medical viewpoint discharge when the child is stable on 3‐hourly rather than 4‐hourly doses appears safe. This can be expected to shorten length of stay by an average of 5.5 h (P < 0.001).
A case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by Humicola fuscoatra
Authors: KITA Toshiyuki , NISHI Kouichi , FUJIMURA Masaki , ABO Miki , OHKA Takio , YASUI Masahide , OGAWA Haruhiko , MINATO Hiroshi , KURUMAYA Hiroshi , NAKAO Shinji
Published: March 2003

A 51‐year‐old housewife with hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by Humicola fuscoatra is reported. The diagnosis was made by an inhalation challenge with H. fuscoatra antigen. She was admitted for diagnosis and treatment of a fever and productive cough. Auscultation of her lungs revealed inspiratory fine crackles. Her chest CT showed diffuse miliary nodules in a centri‐lobular distribution with patchy ground glass opacities. Findings of transbronchial lung biopsy and BAL fluid were compatible with a hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Her symptoms worsened on returning home, which suggested the existence of some aetiological agent in the subject's house. H. fuscoatra, Penicillium decumbens and Aspergillus versicolor were isolated from a number of rooms. High titres of serum anti H. fuscoatra, P. decumbens and A. versicolor were detected. Inhalation challenge tests with both P. decumbens and A. versicolor antigen were negative, in contrast to that with H. fuscoatra which was positive. Based on these results, we advised the patient to cleanse her entire house. Since cleaning, her symptoms have not worsened upon returning home. This is the first report of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by H. fuscoatra antigen.
Pollinator limitation and resource limitation of seed production in the Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius (Leguminosae)
Authors: Suzuki Nobuhiko
Published: March 2003

Pollinator limitation and resource limitation of seed production were examined in flowers of a natural population of Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius, by taking advantage of the floral characteristics that flowers tripped open by an effective pollinator were easily distinguishable from unvisited flowers. In total, 40.26% of flowers were visited by effective pollinators, 28.91% were pollinated and 13.75% matured fruits. Therefore, 71.80% of visited flowers were pollinated and 47.58% of pollinated flowers matured fruits. Thus, the most limiting factor for fruit production was pollinator visitation rate (pollinator limitation), and secondarily the process from pollination to fruiting further constrained fruit production (resource limitation). The pollinator visitation rate was significantly higher for plants growing in a sunny habitat than in a shady one, and pollinator limitation was more severe in the shady habitat than the sunny one. The proportion of fruit produced to pollinated flowers was not significantly different between the sunny and shady habitats, but was lower on larger plants, indicating that resource limitation was more severe on larger plants producing many more flowers.
Sex‐ratio variation among Arisaema species with different patterns of gender diphasy
Authors: Richardson Charles R. , Clay Keith
Published: March 2003

Arisaema species exhibit gender diphasy, or sex change, where individual plants produce either male, monoecious or female inflorescences depending on their size. Three basic sex‐change patterns have been described in Arisaema. Type I species change between male and monoecious phases, type II species change between male, monoecious and female phases, while type III species change between male and female phases. Theoretical models suggest that sex ratios should be biased toward males, the sex with the lowest cost of reproduction. The goal of this study was to examine sex‐ratio variation among Arisaema species that differ in sex‐change patterns. Data from an extensive literature review, consisting of all available studies reporting Arisaema sex ratios, were combined with data from extensive field surveys of Arisaema dracontium and Arisaema triphyllum in southern Indiana, USA. This data set contains nearly 30 000 plants from 12 species. All species conformed to either the type I or type III pattern of sex change. There was little evidence for a distinct type II pattern of sex change, given that plants with monoecious inflorescences were rare relative to plants with pistillate inflorescences. The mean sex ratio in type I species (79.9% male) was significantly greater than in type III species (63.7% male). The data are consistent with the prediction that type I species are likely to have greater costs associated with female reproduction. We suggest that all Arisaema species have similar patterns of floral development, but differ in their ontogenetic patterns for male and female flowering.
Palm pollination by bees, beetles and flies: Why pollinator taxonomy does not matter. The case ofHyospathe elegans(Arecaceae, Arecoidae, Areceae, Euterpeinae)
Authors: Listabarth Christian
Published: March 2003

The concept of adaptation‐based pollination syndromes in which systematically bounded groups of pollinators service a particular host species has been applied to the palms. Except for beetle pollinated species, many palms lack major anthecological adaptations that apparently promote visits of a particular taxonomic group of insects. To address the question whether these palms have evolved insect‐specific pollination systems, the interaction of the monoecious, protandrous palmHyospathe elegansMart. and visiting insects was studied in Amazonian Peru during an entire flowering period. At least 27 taxa of the orders Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera were recorded regularly visiting both types of flowers. To test whether flower visitation is taxonomically skewed, two sets of visitor samples from staminate and pistillate flowers were compared. There is no evidence to support the working hypothesis that there is a single optimal pollinator or a systematically bounded group of principal pollinators, based on the frequency of visits or the relative dominance within the visitor spectrum. Visitation rates suggest a mixed‐species guild of nectar‐feeding insects to be the commonest and most dependable pollinator group, along with an analogous guild of generalist‐feeding copollinators.Hyospathe elegansand closely related species ofEuterpeandPrestoeashow common traits in their interaction with pollinators, such as phenological pattern, flowering behavior and allocation of rewards, and they also share a corresponding feeding guild. Given a preponderance of low taxonomic pollinator specificity in palm reproductive systems, pollination by a mixed‐species guild may be widespread and the classification of ‘mellitophilous’ and ‘myophilous’ palms should be reconsidered.
Intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) variation in Lactoris fernandeziana (Lactoridaceae), a rare endemic of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, Chile
Authors: CRAWFORD DANIEL , TAGO‐NAKAZAWA MIYUKI , STUESSY TOD F. , ANDERSON GREGORY J. , BERNARDELLO GABRIEL , RUIZ EDUARDO , JENSEN RICHARD J. , BAEZA CARLOSM , WOLFE ANDREA D. , O MARIO SILVA
Published: March 2003

Sixteen populations and 89 individuals of Lactoris fernandeziana were examined

for variation in intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) banding patterns. The species

is a rare endemic of Masatierra Island in the Juan Fernández Archipelago,

and is the only member of the endemic family Lactoridaceae. Five populations showed

a single genotype whereas the other 11 populations had from two to 16 multilocus

genotypes. Over 73% of the ISSR diversity occurred across populations, with

only about 27% within populations. Diversity among populations results from

the presence of different subsets of loci within each population rather than unique

loci within populations; only two populations displayed novel loci, with one and

three in each. Levels of differentiation at ISSR loci among populations are not correlated

with geographic distance on Masatierra; rather, the pattern of variation is mosaic.

The presence of differentiated local populations is concordant with the geitonogamous

breeding system of the species and suggests low levels of long distance pollen or

seed dispersal. The mosaic pattern of ISSR variation on Masatierra may result, in

part, from drift and inbreeding in small populations following fragmentation of a

once more continuous distribution of Lactoris with the formation of canyons

by erosion. Also, the generation of new ISSR loci by mutation could occur with rare,

sporadic gene flow among populations accounting for the mosaic pattern of variation

and the paucity of unique alleles within populations. The ISSR results for Lactoris

suggest that studies of morphological, ecological and physiological features may

elucidate differentiation among populations of L. fernandeziana. Field studies have demonstrated that plants occur both in the dense forest understory and in the full sunlight in forest openings.
Are high barometric pressure, low humidity and diurnal change of temperature related to the onset of asthmatic symptoms?
Authors: Ehara Akira , Takasaki Hideki , Takeda Yuko , Kida Takeshi , Mizukami Susumu , Yamada Masahiro Hagisawa and Yutaka
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: Meteorologic factors play a role in the expression of asthmatic symptoms; however, there are controversies about the causal relationship between meteorologic factors and asthma. The relationship between meteorologic parameters and emergency admissions for asthmatic symptoms in this hospital were analyzed.

Methods
: A total of 205 patients (130 boys and 75 girls, 0.1–16.6 years of age) who were admitted to Hakodate Chuo General Hospital for asthmatic symptoms between 1 January and 31 December 1997 were submitted to our study. We divided a total of 365 days into two groups of days with and without any admissions. Meteorologic factors for the days with admissions and 1–3 days before hospitalization were compared with those of the days of no admissions. Statistical analysis was done with the Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results
: On the days with admissions and 1 day before hospitalizations, barometric pressure was higher and relative humidity lower than on days with no admissions. The diurnal difference between maximum and minimum temperature for days 1 day before days with admissions was larger than that for 1 day before days with no admissions.

Conclusions
: It is thought that change in barometric pressure, relative humidity and temperature had some influence on the worsening of asthmatic symptoms.
Hemodynamic factors of thrombus formation in coronary aneurysms associated with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Kuramochi Yukio , Ohkubo Takashi , Takechi Nobuyuki , Fukumi Daichi , Uchikoba Yohko , Ogawa Shunichi
Published: March 2003

Abstract Background: We studied the mechanism of thrombus formation in coronary aneurysms based on rheological findings.

Methods
: We studied 43 coronary aneurysms in 33 patients with Kawasaki disease (mean (± SD) age 6.1~4.3 years). These lesions were divided into three groups on the basis of maximum diameter: (i) small (group S); (ii) medium sized (group M); and (iii) large (group L) aneurysms. Using a Doppler flow guidewire and a pressure‐monitoring guidewire, we measured coronary flow velocity and perfusion pressure inside aneurysms and in adjacent normal‐looking vessels. We calculated the average peak velocity (APV) index, the mean coronary perfusion pressure (P) index and shear index.

Results
: The APV index and shear index decreased significantly (p<0.005) as the aneurysm size increased (APV index in groups S, M and L was 0.893~0.149, 0.573~0.242 and 0.128~0.131, respectively; shear index in groups S, M and L was 0.750~0.149, 0.328~0.153 and 0.020~0.028, respectively). However, coronary perfusion pressure showed no relationship to aneurysm size and was not significantly different from that in adjacent normal‐looking vessels.

Conclusions
: The results of the present study suggest that the stagnation of flow and the reduction of shear stress in coronary aneurysms could initiate thrombus formation.
Role of infection in the development of acquired subglottic stenosis in neonates with prolonged intubation
Authors: Suzumura Hiroshi , Nitta Akihisa , Tanaka Goro , Kuwashima Shigeko , Hideki Hirabayashi
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjective: To examine whether clinically diagnosed infection correlates with subsequent development of subglottic stenosis in intubated neonates.

Methods: Sixty‐two neonatal infants intubated for more than 14 days were examined. Several risk factors for subglottic stenosis, including infection, duration of intubation, frequency of intubation, the size of the endotracheal tube etc., were evaluated by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: Infection that occurred within 14 days of intubation showed a positive correlation with subsequent subglottic stenosis. The duration of intubation, frequency of intubation and the size of the endotracheal tube did not affect the development of subglottic stenosis. The majority of infections were considered to be respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia.

Conclusions: Infection occurring within 14 days of intubation is considered to be a risk factor for acquired subglottic stenosis in neonates intubated for more than 14 days. Prevention of infection within 14 days of intubation may reduce the incidence of subglottic stenosis in neonates.
Risk factors for persistence of pulmonary arterial branch stenosis in neonates and young infants
Authors: Nomura Yuichi , Nakamura Makoto , Kono Yukiharu , Fukushige Toshiro , Shimago Atsushi , Kamimura Junko , Nishi Jun‐Ichiro , Yoshinaga Masao , Miyata Koichiro
Published: March 2003

Background
: Pulmonary arterial branch stenosis (PBS) in neonates is considered to be transient. However, PBS has been found not only in neonates, but also in young infants. Among these patients, we encountered several patients whose PBS was still present after the age of 1 year.

Methods
: To clarify the natural history of PBS in neonates and young infants, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 103 patients diagnosed with PBS in the neonatal period and early infancy.

Results
: The PBS findings were improved in all patients. Pulmonary arterial branch stenosis disappeared in 94 patients by the age of 1 year (group A), but persisted after 1 year of age in nine patients (group B). Group B patients had a significantly lower mean birth weight and greater Δvelocity (the difference in the peak flow velocity between the main pulmonary artery and stenotic branch) at diagnosis than group A patients. Incidences of low birth weight (<2500 g) and Δvelocity above 1.2 m/s were significantly higher in group B than group A patients. There was no significant difference in the frequency of premature infants (gestational age <36 weeks) between the groups, suggesting that intrauterine growth retardation may be related to developmental abnormalities of the pulmonary arterial branch.

Conclusions
: All cases of PBS in neonates and young infants were improved. However, PBS persisted in some patients after the age of 1 year. Low birth weight and Δvelocity above 1.2 m/s are risk factors for persistent PBS. Pulmonary arterial branch stenosis was not present after the age of 1 year in 62 of 63 patients without either of these risk factors.
Assessment of bone ages: Is the Greulich‐Pyle method sufficient for Turkish boys?
Authors: Koc Ahmet , Karaoglanoglu Mustafa , Erdogan Murat , Kosecik Mustafa , Cesur Yasar
Published: March 2003

Abstract

Background
: The Greulich‐Pyle (GP) Atlas of skeletal maturation has been prepared in white children who born between 1917 and 1942 in the USA, and is frequently used for assessment of skeletal maturity. In this study, we investigated whether or not the GP method is sufficient for Turkish children for the determination of the skeletal age.

Methods
: Plain radiographies of left hands and wrists of 225 healthy boys between 7 and 17 years of age were taken. Pubic hair (PH) stages of boys were determined by using the Tanner criteria. Mean chronological ages and mean skeletal ages according to GP Atlas were compared for each age groups and each PH stage.

Results
: Mean skeletal ages were delayed 0.61, 0.72, 0.54, 0.39, 0.25, 0.39, and 0.32 years than the mean chronological ages in the 7–13 years age groups, respectively, and advanced 0.13, 0.01, 0.89, and 0.52 years in the 14–17 years age groups. In PH stages 1, 2, and 3, mean skeletal ages were delayed 0.67, 0.51 and 0.40 years than the mean chronological ages, respectively. In PH stages 4 and 5, mean skeletal ages were advanced 0.66 and 0.76 years than mean chronological ages.

Conclusion
: The results suggest that Turkish boys may have a different tempo of skeletal maturation during pubertal development from that of American children which GP standards were derived. Therefore, GP Atlas is not completely applicable to Turkish boys but can be used with some modification.
Nitric oxide donor increases cerebral blood flow and oxygenation during kainic acid‐induced seizures in newborn rabbits
Authors: Takei Yukito , Takashima Sachio , Kumada Atsushi , Tachibana Maki , Takami Takeshi , Miyajima Tasuku , Hoshika Akinori
Published: March 2003

Background
: We investigated the hypothesis that sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide (NO) donor, increased the cerebral blood flow and oxygenation during kainic acid (KA)‐induced seizures in newborn rabbits.

Methods
: After KA administration (i.v. 12 mg/kg) to induce seizures, either 1.2 mg/kg SNP (SNP
group, i.v., n = 6) or 1 mL normal saline (vehicle group, i.v., n = 6) was given. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), cerebral oxyhemoglobin (oxy‐Hb), deoxyhemoglobin (deoxy‐Hb), total hemoglobin (t‐Hb), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), heart rate (HR) and electroencephalography (EEG) were continuously monitored throughout the experiment, lasting at least 60 min after the KA administration.

Results
: The value for rCBF was greatly increased during seizures in the SNP group than in the vehicle group. The values for oxy‐Hb and t‐Hb were significantly increased, and deoxy‐Hb was significantly decreased. There were ameliorations of cerebral oxygenation in the SNP group during the acute phase of seizures in the neonatal animals, compared with the vehicle group. There were no significant differences in the MABP, HR, arterial blood gases, rectal and brain temperatures, blood hemoglobin concentrations, blood glucose levels, the latencies to first abnormal discharges in EEG, the total sum of the duration of abnormal discharges in EEG and the incidences of subclinical electric status epileptics between the two groups.

Conclusions
: These results suggest that the treatment with SNP contributed to the increases in cerebral blood flow and oxygenation, and that EEG abnormalities were unchanged by the treatment with SNP during neonatal seizures.
Management of childhood diseases during the Byzantine period: III − Respiratory diseases of childhood
Authors: Ramoutsaki Ioanna A , Dimitriou Helen , Markaki Erasmia‐A , Kalmanti Maria
Published: March 2003

Evidence on herbal, veterinary and chemical substances used in various forms for respiratory problems of childhood such as acute otitis, acute tonsillitis and parotitis was investigated in the Byzantine medical treatizes, from the 4th to the 15th century ad. The problem of asthma in childhood was well known during the Byzantine period. Despite the existent Hippocratic tradition, the physicians of the times developed their own methods of treatment. The texts of Antyllus, Orivasios from Pergamos, Aetius of Amida, Alexander of Tralles, Paulus Aeginitis, Theophanis Nonnos and others, strongly suggest influences from ancient Greek and Roman medicine, but at the same time indicate an original medical thought.
Pharyngeal colonization with Haemophilus influenzae type b among healthy Turkish infants and children
Authors: Bakir Mustafa , Yagci Aysegul , Ulger Nurver , Akbenlioglu Cengiz , Ilki Arzu , Soyletir Guner , Basaran Mujdat
Published: March 2003

Background
: An absence of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease surveillance and epidemiological data on the pharyngeal carriage of Turkish children causes delay in the introduction of conjugated Hib vaccination into proposed national vaccination programs.

Methods
: Oropharyngeal cultures were obtained from 1404 healthy infants and children. Six healthy child clinic (HCC), 11 day‐care centers (DCC) and seven elementary schools (ES) were randomly selected in seven different counties at the Anatolian side of Istanbul between January and April 2000.

Results
: Haemophilus influenzae was isolated from 315 (22.8%) of all participants and 98 (31%) isolates were serotype b. The carriage rate for Hib was higher in children at DCC (43 out of 448, 9.6%) and ES (46 out of 504, 9.1%) compared to infants 0−24 months of age (nine out of 430, 2.1%) presented to HCC. All Hib isolates were susceptible to azithromycin, chloramphenicol and cefotaxime. Beta‐lactamase production was detected in only one isolate. Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole resistance was found in 8.5% of Hib isolates. Multivariate analysis showed that DCC and ES attendance were independent predictors of Hib carriage.

Conclusion
: A significant proportion of healthy Turkish children was shown to be colonized with Hib. The burden of invasive Hib infections should be determined in order to evaluate the Hib conjugated vaccine as a part of a routine immunization program in Turkey.
Cross‐cultural comparison of long‐term psychiatric patients hospitalized in Tokyo, Japan and Honolulu, Hawaii
Authors: Anders Robert , Kawano Masashi , Mori Chizura , Kokusho Hiroko , Tomai Jan
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study is to cross‐culturally explore the crucial and often conflicting issues of least restrictive placement of long‐term psychiatric patients in Hawaii and Japan, and the need to provide high‐quality care for such patients. Policy implications are discussed. A survey instrument facilitated the comparison of records from psychiatric patients hospitalized over 1 year in Hawaii, as of January 1993, and psychiatric patients hospitalized over 1 year in Japan, as of January 1996. The survey instrument was translated and validated for use in both countries. Interrater reliability averaged 0.96. The 30 subjects in Japan were all men (Japanese), and primarily unmarried. The 83 subjects in Hawaii were mostly men (Hawaiian or other ethnic minority), and unmarried. Subjects in Japan tended to be older, hospitalized longer, and were judged to be more dysfunctional than those in Hawaii. No significant relationship was revealed between nursing diagnoses and Axis I diagnoses in either sample. Although significant clinical differences were found between the two groups, the policy issues are similar: how to place patients in the least restrictive environment and how to provide high quality of care given the limited available resources. Nurses in both countries must become more vocal advocates for policy changes to improve the care of long‐term patients.
Physical and psychological improvements after phase II cardiac rehabilitation in patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: Yoshida Toshiko , Kohzuki Masahiro , Yoshida Kazunori , Hiwatari Masao , Kamimoto Masahiro , Yamamoto Chitose , Meguro Shinichiro , Endo Norio , Kato Atsushi , Kanazawa Masaharu , Sato Tokutaro
Published: March 2003

We have designed a new 4‐week hospitalized phase II cardiac rehabilitation program. The purpose of the present study is to clarify whether the physical and psychological status of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) improves after participation in our program. Twenty‐nine patients (27 males, two females) with acute MI who enrolled in the 4‐week hospitalized phase II rehabilitation program were assessed. All patients enrolled in this study had received coronary interventions. The rehabilitation consisted of exercise training, education and counsel‐ing. We evaluated the physical and psychological status of the patients before and just after the program, and at a 6‐month follow up. The physical status was assessed by exercise tolerance measured by the peak oxygen consumption and anerobic threshold, frequency of exercise, and serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol. The psychological status was assessed by the Spielberger state‐trait anxiety inventory questionnaire (STAI) and the self‐rating questionnaire for depression (SRQ‐D). Thirty‐four patients (27 men, seven women) with MI who did not participate in our rehabilitation program served as a control group. After participation in our rehabilitation program, exercise tolerance and the serum lipid profiles of the patients were improved compared with those before rehabilitation. These parameters had improved signi‐ficantly 6 months after rehabilitation. The STAI anxiety score was improved significantly and the SRQ‐D depression score tended to be improved just after the rehabilitation program. Regular physical activity was continued even 6 months after the completion of the program. Our hospitalized phase II cardiac rehabilitation program improved the management of cardiac risk factors and the psychological status in patients with MI. This comprehensive program may contribute to the secondary prevention of MI as well as the recovery of physical and psychological activities.