bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of green tree retention and prescribed burning on the crown damage caused by the pine shoot beetles (Tomicus spp.) in pine‐dominated timber harvest areas
Authors: Martikainen P. , Kouki J. , Heikkala O. , Hyvärinen E. , Lappalainen H.
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  We explored how two recently introduced methods to promote biodiversity during the timber harvest in boreal forests – green tree retention and use of fire – may affect damages caused by pine shoot beetles (Tomicus piniperda and Tomicus minor; Col., Scolytinae) in the surrounding pine forests. The experimental design included 24 separate study sites, 3–5 ha each, which were assigned to different treatments according to factorial design. Retention levels included 0, 10, 50 m3/ha and uncut controls. Twelve of the sites were burned and thus there were three replicates of each treatment combination. Old and new fallen pine shoots were counted from transects in adjacent pine‐dominated forests 2 and 3 years after the treatments. Populations of Tomicus spp. in the sites were monitored using window traps before and after the treatments, and by examining felled sample trees. Numbers of fallen shoots returned to background levels around unburned and burned clearcuts with no retention trees in 3 years after the treatments, but remained still at increased level in burned harvested sites with 10 and 50 m3 of retained trees per hectare. Numbers of fallen shoots in burned uncut forests increased in one site only, where the fire was intense enough to kill large pine trees, but the damage did not extend outside the burned area. Shoot numbers remained at such low levels (<18 000 shoots/ha) in all treatment combinations that growth losses were not likely. Numbers of egg galleries of Tomicus spp. in trees killed by fire were low, indicating that burnings that take place after the swarming of Tomicus beetles create dead wood that is not optimal for the breeding of these pests. We conclude that green tree retention and prescribed use of fire do not automatically affect populations of Tomicus spp. more than traditional forestry operations (thinnings and clearcuttings) do.
A practical method for predicting the short‐time trend of bivoltine populations of Ips typographus (L.) (Col., Scolytidae)
Authors: Faccoli M. , Stergulc F.
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Ips typographus is the main spruce pest of European forests. In most areas of the Italian Alps there are two generations per year; overwintering adults fly in May looking for trees suitable for breeding, their offspring emerge in summer, 7–8 weeks after tree colonization, and the adults of the second generation emerge in spring of the following year after overwintering under the bark or in the litter. A long‐term population monitoring was carried out in north‐east Italy with the aim at developing a prediction model able to estimate the population density of the following year. Between 1996 and 2004, pheromone traps monitored populations of I. typographus annually. Monitoring lasted 4 months (May–August), with replacement of pheromone dispensers after 8 weeks. Insects trapped before dispenser change were called ‘spring captures’ (May–June), and included both overwintering and re‐emerging adults. Beetles caught after dispenser change were called ‘summer captures’ (July–August), and included the adults of the first generation. The results show a high positive correlation between the ratio of summer and spring captures of one year (Summerx/Springx), and the ratio of total captures of the following year (Yx+1) and those of the current year (Yx) (Yx+1/Yx). Summerx/Springx lower than 0.62 indicate decreasing populations in the following year (Yx+1/Yx <1), whereas Summerx/Springx higher than 0.62 indicate increasing populations (Yx+1/Yx >1). The applicability of the model in the study of I. typographus risk of outbreak and in the forest management is discussed. The prediction of the short‐time trend of the population allows assessing its density in the following year, and therefore the risk of outbreak.
Health needs in rural areas and the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of doctors and nurses
Authors: Vlastos Ioannis M. , Mpatistakis Antonios G. , Gkouskou Kalliopi K.
Published: November 2005

Objective:  Because of a lack of GPs in rural areas of Greece it is mandatory for junior doctors to offer medical service in those areas for a year. The aim of this study is to determine the possibility of replacement of internships with nurses and to suggest the most cost‐effective way of covering health needs in remote areas.

Design:  Regional survey.

Setting and participants:  Patients of primary care offices in two remote areas of Crete, Greece within a year.

Main outcome measures:  Comparative analysis of the level of preventive medicine (estimated by questionnaires) and health needs in the two areas. The reasons for visiting medical offices, references rates, percentages of glucose and blood pressure regulation are also studied.

Results:  Prescription of drugs for chronic diseases and blood pressure counting were the main reasons for office visits (2868/4594). Respiratory track infections (364/4594) follow. Apart from the high percentages of uncontrolled patients with blood pressure (34%) and diabetes mellitus (14%) there is a high percentage of ignorance or wrong opinions concerning preventive medicine, for example only 63% knew the value of a pap test.

Conclusions:  More than two‐thirds of ‘medical’ visits in rural areas were for acts that nurses could easily do. The easy access to a junior doctor did not promote preventive medicine. Replacement of junior doctors with properly trained nurses cooperating with GPs responsible for greater regions would be more cost‐effective than junior doctors improving health in rural areas. Legislation should change, mainly with regard to repeat prescriptions, in order to reduce house visits.
The effect of angle on dovetail fretting experiments in Ti‐6Al‐4V
Authors: GOLDEN P. J. , NICHOLAS T.
Published: November 2005

The objective of this work was to compare the fretting fatigue performance of Ti‐6Al‐4V dovetail specimens on Ti‐6Al‐4V pads having various contact angles typical of engine hardware; 35°, 45° and 55° dovetail angles were considered. The dovetail fixtures were instrumented with strain gages so that the local normal and shear contact forces could be calculated. The contact force hysteresis loops were recorded showing the stick‐slip history. At R= 0.1, gross slip was observed for several thousand cycles followed by partial slip after the average coefficient of friction increased. At R= 0.5, gross slip was present only during the first half cycle. During partial slip, the slope of the shear versus normal force was a function of the dovetail angle. The local contact loads, therefore, differed for the same remotely applied force. Despite this, the fretting fatigue life depended primarily on the remotely applied load not dovetail angle.
Dynamic initiation and propagation behaviour of sub‐interfacial cracks in PMMA/aluminium bi‐material system
Authors: YAO X. F. , YEH H. Y. , XU W.
Published: November 2005

The paper describes studies on the dynamic initiation and growth of sub‐interfacial cracks in a PMMA/aluminium bi‐material system using high‐speed photography combined with the method of caustics. Dynamic fracture phenomena such as crack propagation trajectories, crack velocity, phase angle and stress intensity factor were determined from recordings of a series of dynamic caustic patterns surrounding the propagating sub‐interfacial crack tip.. There is a considerable influence of the distance between the interface and the crack on fracture characterization.
Rhythms in clock proteins in the mouse pars tuberalis depend on MT1 melatonin receptor signalling
Authors: Jilg Antje , Moek Juliane , Weaver David R. , Korf Horst‐Werner , Stehle Jörg H. , Von Gall Charlotte
Published: November 2005

Melatonin provides a rhythmic neuroendocrine output, driven by a central circadian clock that encodes information about phase and length of the night. In the hypophyseal pars tuberalis (PT), melatonin is crucial for rhythmic expression of the clock genes mPer1 and mCry1, and melatonin acting in the PT influences prolactin secretion from the pars distalis. To examine further the possibility of a circadian clockwork functioning in the PT, and the impact of melatonin on this tissue, we assessed circadian clock proteins by immunohistochemistry and compared the diurnal expression in the PT of wild type (WT), and MT1 melatonin receptor‐deficient (MT1–/–) mice. While in the PT of WT mice mPER1, mPER2, and mCRY1 showed a pronounced rhythm, mCRY2, CLOCK, and BMAL1 were constitutively present. Despite reported differences in maximal levels and timing of mCry1, mPer1, and mPer2 RNAs, the corresponding protein levels peaked simultaneously during late day, suggesting a codependency for their stabilization and/or nuclear entry. MT1–/– mice had reduced levels of mPER1, mCRY1, CLOCK and BMAL1, consistent with the earlier reported reduction in mRNA expression of these clock genes. Surprisingly, mPER2‐immunoreaction was constitutively low, although mPer2 was rhythmically expressed in the PT of MT1–/– mice. This suggests that mPER2 is degraded due to the reduced levels of its stabilizing interaction partners mPER1 and mCRY1. The results show that melatonin, acting through the MT1, determines availability of the circadian proteins mPER1, mPER2 and mCRY1 and thus plays a crucial role in regulating rhythmicity in PT cells.
Afferent–target interactions during olivocerebellar development: transcommissural reinnervation indicates interdependence of Purkinje cell maturation and climbing fibre synapse elimination
Authors: Lohof Ann M. , Mariani Jean , Sherrard Rachel M.
Published: November 2005

We have used a model of postlesional reinnervation to observe the interactions between synaptic partners during neosynaptogenesis to determine how the developmental states of the pre‐ and postsynaptic cells influence circuit maturation. After unilateral transection of the neonatal rat olivocerebellar pathway (pedunculotomy), axons from the remaining ipsilateral inferior olive grow into the denervated hemicerebellum and develop climbing fibre (CF) terminal arbors on Purkinje cells (PCs) at a later stage of development than normal. However, the significance of delayed CF‐PC interactions on subsequent circuit maturation remains poorly defined. To examine this question, we recorded CF‐induced currents in PCs and analysed PC morphology during the first two postnatal weeks in control animals and following left unilateral inferior cerebellar pedunculotomy on postnatal day (P)3. Our results show that transcommissural olivary axons multiply‐reinnervate PCs in the denervated hemisphere over 4 days following pedunculotomy. Each PC received fewer CFs than did age‐matched controls and the maximal multi‐reinnervation was reached on P7, 2 days later than in controls. Consequently, the onset of CF synapse elimination in reinnervated PCs was delayed, but then proceeded in parallel with controls so that all PCs were monoinnervated by P15. Furthermore, reinnervated PCs had delayed dendritic maturation and subsequent dendritic abnormalities consistent with the role of CF innervation in PC dendritic growth. Thus, within the olivocerebellar system, our data suggest that target neurons depend upon sufficient afferent investment arriving at the correct time for their normal development, and maturation of the target neuron regulates afferent selection and therefore circuit maturation.
Deficits in the mid‐brain raphe nuclei and striatum of the AS/AGU rat, a protein kinase C‐γ mutant
Authors: Al‐Fayez M. , Russell D. , Wayne Davies R. , Shiels P. G. , Baker P. J. , Payne A. P.
Published: November 2005

The AS/AGU rat carries a recessive mutation (agu) in the gene coding for the gamma isoform of protein kinase C. The rat is characterized by disordered locomotion and progressive dysfunction of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) system. This dysfunction begins with a failure to release DA within the striatum and culminates in cell loss within the substantia nigra pars compacta. The present study examines another midbrain aminergic system with input to the basal ganglia, the serotonergic (5‐HT) raphe–striatal system originating in the dorsal raphe nucleus. By 3 months after birth, there is a very substantial reduction in the extracellular levels of 5‐HT in the dorsal caudate‐putamen of the mutants compared with controls (c. 70%). This is accompanied by a proportional increase in the levels of the 5‐HT metabolite 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid (5‐HIAA). At a later age, there are reductions in whole tissue 5‐HT (and increases in 5‐HIAA) in both the striatum and the region containing the dorsal raphe nucleus, as well as numbers of 5‐HT‐immunoreactive cells in the dorsal raphe nucleus. The median raphe appears to be unaffected. The results are seen in terms of an initial dysfunction in transmitter release leading to cell death, perhaps through the formation of free radicals or neurotoxins.
5‐Bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine is selectively toxic to neuronal precursors in vitro
Authors: Caldwell Maeve A. , He Xiaoling , Svendsen Clive N.
Published: November 2005

The effect of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation on the phenotype of progeny derived from expanded E18 rat striatal precursors was examined. BrdU was administered to cultures for 24 h prior to differentiation. Results revealed that there was selective toxicity of this compound to developing TuJ1+ neurons, but not glia, at concentrations used in most labelling studies. Therefore, a BrdU dose–response curve from 0.2 µm to 10 µm was established. The optimum dose of BrdU for labelling cells was 0.2 µm, well below the 1–10 µm recommended concentration. This dose resulted in the survival of significantly more newborn BrdU/TuJ1+ double‐labelled neurons and eliminated the toxic effects of BrdU. Administration of 10 µm BrdU resulted in a significant decrease in extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation compared with untreated cultures, this could be completely restored by the administration of either N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists such as MK801 or the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor l‐methyl‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME). Our results show that high levels of BrdU are selectively toxic to neurons through a mechanism that activates classical cell death pathways. This has implications for labelling studies both in vivo and in vitro.
Tramadol for pain relief in children undergoing herniotomy: a comparison with ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric blocks
Authors: KHOSRAVI MOHAMMAD BAGHER , KHEZRI SASAN , AZEMATI SIMIN
Published: November 2005

Background:  Prevention of postoperative pain in children is one of the most important objectives of the anesthesiologist. Preoperative ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks have been widely used to provide analgesia in children undergoing herniorrhaphy. Tramadol is an analgesic with micro‐opioid and nonopioid activity. In this study we compared the usage of intravenous tramadol with ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks for control of postherniorrhaphy pain in children aged 2–7 years.

Methods:  Sixty patients were randomly allocated to two groups of thirty. One group received tramadol 1.5 mg·kg−1 i.v. before induction of general anesthesia and the other had an ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block with 0.5% bupivacaine (0.25 ml·kg−1) before skin incision. We assessed pain using the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale and the Categorical Pain Scale.

Results:  At 1, 4 and 24 h after surgery the two groups had identical pain scores. At 2 and 3 h after surgery the tramadol group experienced significantly less pain (P < 0.05). The rescue drug for residual pain, was used equally in the two groups. None of the 60 patients had respiratory depression but the tramadol group patients were found to have more episodes of nausea and vomiting (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  We concluded that tramadol can have at least the same analgesic effect as that of ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks for postherniorrhaphy pain in children, with even a superior effect at the time of maximal analgesia. We also highlight the troublesome side‐effect of nausea and vomiting which brings into question the benefits of using this opioid that seems to lack respiratory depression.
Use of BIS monitor in a child with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis
Authors: BRANDES IVO F. , STUTH ECKEHARD A. E.
Published: November 2005

We describe a case of a 14‐year‐old boy with congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis (CIPA) who underwent tarsal tunnel release for tarsal tunnel syndrome. Because of abnormal pain perception, the patient's response to normally painful surgical stimuli is severely impaired and not adequately reflected in a corresponding rise in blood pressure or heart rate. This lack of autonomic feedback to pain stimuli may make it more difficult to assess whether anesthetic depth is adequate to prevent intraoperative awareness and thus to safely conduct anesthesia, especially if muscle paralysis is required for surgical indications. We describe for the first time the use of processed EEG monitoring with a BIS A‐2000 monitor to gauge anesthetic depth in a patient with CIPA. Initial forehead bispectral index (BIS) values prior to induction were normal (98) and then ranged between 23 and 79 during the whole surgical procedure. Propofol and lidocaine were used for induction and deep extubation; isoflurane was used as the sole anesthetic for maintenance with concentrations ranging from 0.21% to 0.92% to maintain a target BIS of 40–60. Volatile anesthetic requirements remained low throughout the procedure and no narcotics were necessary during surgery. The BIS monitor served as an adequate tool to help avoid excessive use of volatile anesthetic while assuring a processed EEG consistent with unconsciousness and amnesia. After the patient had recovered and was oriented to place and time in the recovery room, he was asked whether he remembered anything about the surgery and the presence of a breathing tube in his mouth. He denied any recall of such events.
Perception of pain following rectal administration of morphine in children: a comparison of a gel and a solution
Authors: LUNDEBERG STEFAN , HATAVA PIRKKO , LAGERKRANSER MICHAEL , OLSSON GUNNAR L.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Rectal administration of morphine is one possible route of delivery in children. The aim of this study was to determine the pain experience during rectal administration of two different morphine preparations.

Methods:  The acceptance of the pain of rectal administration of morphine for premedication was studied in 120 children. Children were randomized to receive either morphine solution in saline (0.2 mg·kg−1, 1 mg·ml−1) or morphine gel (0.2 mg·kg−1, 1 mg·ml−1) with an adjusted pH for rectal use in a double‐blind fashion. Children were stratified into three groups according to age (1–2, 3–6, and 7–10 years). Pain was assessed with the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale, the McGrath Facial Affective Scale, or the visual analogue scale, depending on the age group.

Results:  The overall pain scores in all age groups were low. Children aged 1–2 years (P < 0.01) and 3–6 years (P < 0.05) had significantly less pain when morphine was administered as a gel than a solution. The difference in pain experience between the two forms was not significant in the age group of 7–10 years.

Conclusion:  The results indicate that most of the children tolerated rectal administration of morphine well in terms of pain experience, in both gel and solution form. The morphine gel, intended for rectal use appears to be the preparation of choice in children aged 1–6 years.
The clinical observation of difficult laryngoscopy and difficult intubation in infants with cleft lip and palate
Authors: XUE F.S. , ZHANG G.H. , LI P. , SUN H.T. , LI C.W. , LIU K.P. , TONG S.Y. , LIAO X. , ZHANG Y.M.
Published: November 2005

Background:  The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence of difficult laryngoscopy in infants with cleft lip and palate and to observe its relationships with age, sites, and degrees of deformities.

Methods:  A total of 985 infants aged 1 month to 3 years, undergoing repair of cleft lip and palate were included in this study. The infants suffering from unilateral cleft lip, simple cleft palate, and combined bilateral cleft lip and palate were 465, 421, and 79 respectively. They were divided into three groups according to age; 1–6 months group, 6–12 months group and 1–3 years group.

Results:  The total incidence of difficult laryngoscopy was 4.77%. The incidence of difficult laryngoscopy was closely related to age, sites and degrees of deformities, and micrognathia. The incidence of difficult laryngoscopy was 7.06% in 1–6 months group, 2.90% in 6–12 months group, and 3.13% in 1–3 years group, and was greatest for infants with combined bilateral cleft lip and palate, less for those with left cleft lip and least for those with right cleft lip and simple cleft palate. The incidences of difficult laryngoscopy in infants with and without micrognathia were 50% and 3.83% respectively. The incidences of moderately difficult, difficult, and failed intubations were 1.02%, 0.91%, and 0.102% respectively.

Conclusions:  Infants with cleft lip and palate, left cleft lip and alveolus, combined bilateral cleft lip and palate, micrognathia, and age <6 months were the important risk factors for difficult laryngoscopy. Difficult intubation occurred mainly in infants with laryngoscopic views of grade III and IV.
Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections – anesthetic implications and literature review
Authors: SADHASIVAM SENTHILKUMAR , LITMAN RONALD S.
Published: November 2005

Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) are rare neurobehavioral disorders in children. Affected children may have a diverse array of perioperative manifestations including compulsive behavior, agitation, and abnormal movements. Perioperative management might be more challenging for anesthesiologists. Series of therapeutic plasmapheresis in these children may complicate their anesthesia management. We describe the first case of a patient with PANDAS and its anesthesia implications.
Transient loss of motor‐evoked responses associated with caudal injection of morphine in a patient with spondylolisthesis undergoing spinal fusion
Authors: GIBSON PETER R.J. , FCA(SA) SARAH JOHNSTON , LAGOPOULOS JIM , CUMMINE JOHN L.
Published: November 2005

A 7‐year‐old girl having posterior spinal fusion for Grade 3 anterior spondylolisthesis at the L5/S1 level was administered 2.5 mg of morphine in 10 ml saline via the caudal epidural route before surgery. Motor‐evoked responses were markedly diminished in her lower limbs for 1 h following this but returned spontaneously. She suffered no neurological injury. The cause for this is postulated to be transient cauda equina compression from the volume of injectate. This complication of caudal injection has not been reported before. The possible mechanisms for this are discussed. We believe that significant L5/S1 spondylolisthesis should be considered a contraindication to the use of caudal epidural injections.
Human factors in pediatric anesthesia incidents
Authors: MARCUS R.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Anesthesia and the operating theater environment is a complex system involving man–machine and human–human interactions. Although we strive for an error free system, we are humans and errors and mistakes will occur. The aim of this study was to investigate the human factors behind events and incidents in pediatric anesthesia at our institution.

Methods:  This study consisted of a retrospective review and analysis of all contemporaneously reported anesthetic incidents between April 1, 2002 and March 31, 2004 at Birmingham Children's Hospital. Where there were anesthetic human factors involved in the event these were classified.

Results:  There were 668 incidents reported, giving a rate of 2.4% of the 28 023 anesthetics recorded. Airway and respiratory incidents were the most common representing 52.2% of all incidents. A total of 284 anesthetic human factors could be identified and classified. Of these the most common were errors in judgment 43%, failure to check 17.8%, technical failures of skill 9.2%, inexperience 7.7%, inattention/distraction 5.6% and communication issues 5.6%.

Conclusions:  In our institution anesthetic human factors occur in 42.5% of in‐theater incidents in pediatric anesthesia. Knowledge of these is necessary so that changes can be made in practice both by individuals and departments of anesthesia, to make anesthesia as safe as possible.
Changes in vasoconstrictor and vasodilator neurotransmitters in nerves supplying arterioles in developing colorectal polyps
Authors: Chamary V. L. , Loizidou M. , Boulos P. B. , Taylor I. , Burnstock G.
Published: November 2005

Objective  To examine the changes that occur in the immunohistochemistry of vasoconstrictor and vasodilator transmitters in nerves supplying early and advanced colorectal polyps.

Subjects and methods  We studied the perivascular innervation of submucosal arterioles of colorectal polyps (n = 18) and the innervation of the epithelial layer of polyps compared to normal controls (n = 8), using immunohistochemical markers for the neurotransmitters; noradrenaline (NA) (marker used; tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)), neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene‐related polypeptide (CGRP). (Advanced polyps; villous adenomas > 1.5 cm, polyps with severe dysplasia or partial carcinoma).

Results  In submucosal arterioles there was a progressive decrease from controls through early polyps to advanced polyps in TH and NPY perivascular immunoreactivity (P < 0.015 for both). VIP and SP immunoreactivity was higher in early polyps compared to controls, but markedly reduced in advanced polyps (P < 0.05 for VIP). Sparse CGRP immunoreactivity was present in polyps only. Neural VIP and SP immunoreactivity in the lamina propria of polyp mucosa was more intense than in controls.

Conclusion  There is a decrease in vasoconstrictor neurotransmitters NPY and NA (shown by TH) around submucosal arterioles of both early and advanced polyps, but an increase in the vasodilator neurotransmitters, particularly VIP, in early colorectal polyps. These results suggest a predominantly vasodilatory neural influence in early polyps, perhaps indicating a mechanism that maintains polyp growth.
Ileal pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis is feasible for septuagenarians
Authors: Ho Kok Sun , Chang C. C. , Baig M. K. , Börjesson L. , Nogueras J. J. , Efron J. , Weiss E. G. , Sands D. , Vernava A. M. , Wexner S. D.
Published: November 2005

Objective  Proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the standard surgery for patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC). Although there is no absolute age limitation, there are concerns as to its use in elderly patients due to the risks of potential complications and poor function. The aim of this study was to assess the complications and outcome of patients over the age of 70 years with MUC who underwent IPAA. Results in these patients were compared to the results in a group of patients aged less than 70 years who had IPAA.

Methods  After Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective review of the medical records of patients with MUC who underwent IPAA was undertaken. These patients were divided into four age groups: < 30 years of age, 30–49 years, 50–69 years, ≥ 70 years.

Results  From 1989 to 2001, 330 patients underwent IPAA for preoperative clinical and histopathological and postoperative histopathologically confirmed MUC; 17 were aged ≥ 70 years. The mean hospital stay was 5.8 (SEM 0.7) days in the patients aged < 70 years and 6.0 (SEM 0.4) days in the patients aged ≥ 70 years (P = 0.911). Postoperative complications occurred in 39% of patients ≥ 70 years and in 40% in the < 70 years group (P = 0.08). Pouch failure occurred in two (11.8%) patients ≥ 70 years and in 6 (1.9%) < 70 (P = 0.2).

Conclusion  IPAA is a safe and feasible option in MUC patients over the age of 70 with functional results similar to results seen in younger patients.
Diagnostic accuracy of body coil MRI in describing the characteristics of perianal fistulas
Authors: Mahjoubi B. , Haizadch Kharazi H. , Mirzaei R. , Moghimi A. , Changizi A.
Published: November 2005

Objective  The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of synergic body coil MRI using SPIR technique without contrast, in the determination of fistula characteristics in patients with clinically positive signs.

Method and subjects  This was a case‐series prospective study including 29 consecutive patients with clinically suspected fistulas‐in‐ano. The standard synergic body coil was used and all patients had T2‐weighted SPIR sequences. One radiologist, without prior knowledge of the clinical examination, analysed images and noted the presence of the fistula, its classification and the presence and number of any collections or extensions. The surgeon noted the MRI findings and looked for lesions suggested on MRI. The results of the MRI and surgical assessments were then compared. Results of surgical exploration while the surgeon was aware of MRI results were considered as the gold standard of surgical anatomy.

Results  Twenty‐three (79.31%) of 29 fistula tracks were seen on MRI which correctly determined the type of all fistulas. In the six cases where the fistula was not seen on MRI, five were low trans‐sphincteric and one was rectovaginal. MRI identified 8 of 10 collections.

Conclusion  The synergic body coil MRI with SPIR sequencing without endoanal coils had a high accuracy in the diagnosis of high fistulas collections, complex fistulas and extensions.
Patients' expectations of colorectal surgery for cancer
Authors: Holzer B. , Gyasi A. , Schiessel R. , Rosen H. R.
Published: November 2005

Objective  The primary objectives of surgery for colorectal cancer are to achieve radical resection of the tumour and to ensure a satisfactory quality of life for the patient. But what is satisfactory quality of life for the patients? What do patients desire? The goal of our exploratory investigation was to evaluate prospectively the patient pre‐operative expectations as objectively as possible and to analyse results in relation to age, gender and socio‐economic status.

Methods  In the period from 1998 to 2001, 167 patients were given a questionnaire consisting of 15 questions prior to surgery. The questionnaire included various aspects that were thought to influence the patient's quality of life. Moreover the patients were given the opportunity to rate the questions they considered most important.

Results  The following five points were considered most important by the total group of patients: Complete cure of the disease was rated most important (95%); it was the prime expectation of the patients. This was followed by the avoidance of a stoma (81%), a reliable control of defaecation (52%), normal digestion (44%) and little pain (26%).

Conclusion  Age, gender and education influence the pre‐operative expectations of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. In addition to the surgical standard, the care of the individual patient must be given due consideration in the treatment strategy.
Ultrastructure of the reproductive system of the black swamp snake (Seminatrix pygaea). V. The temporal germ cell development strategy of the testis
Authors: Gribbins Kevin M. , Happ Carrie S. , Sever David M.
Published: November 2005

The germ cell development strategy during spermatogenesis was investigated in the black swamp snake (Seminatrix pygaea). Testicular tissues were collected, embedded in plastic, sectioned by ultramicrotome, and stained with methylene blue and basic fuchsin. Black swamp snakes have a postnuptial pattern of development, where spermatogenesis occurs from May to July and spermiation is completed by October. Though spatial relationships are seen between germ cells within the seminiferous epithelium during specific months, accumulation of spermatogonia and spermatocytes early in spermatogenesis and the depletion of spermatocytes and accumulation of spermatids late in spermatogenesis prevent consistent cellular associations. This temporal germ cell development within an amniotic testis is consistent with that seen in other recently studied temperate reptiles (slider turtle and wall lizard). These reptiles’ temporal development is more similar to the developmental strategy found in anamniotes than the spatial germ cell development that characterizes birds and mammals. Our findings also imply that a third germ cell development strategy may exist in temperate breeding reptiles. Because of the phylogenetic position of reptiles between anamniotes and other terrestrial amniotes, this common germ cell development strategy shared by temperate reptiles representing different orders may have significant implications as far as the evolution of sperm development within vertebrates.
Structure of adhesive organ of the mountain‐stream catfish, Pseudocheneis sulcatus (Teleostei: Sisoridae)
Authors: Das Debasish , Nag Tapas Chandra
Published: November 2005

The structure and ultrastructure of the adhesive organ (AO) in the catfish, Pseudocheneis sulcatus (Sisoridae), an inhabitant of the sub‐Himalayan streams of India, is described. The surface of the AO is thrown into folds, the ridges of which bear curved spines. The AO epidermis consists of 10–12 tiers of filament‐rich cells, of which the outer tier cells project spines lined with a thick plasma membrane and bear bundles of tonofilaments (TF). Their cytoplasm contains TF and large mucus‐like granules, but no obvious organelles. A second tier of living cells with spines is present beneath the outer tier and seems to replace the latter when its spines are damaged or shed. The outer tier cells react positively with antibody to cytokeratin. Actin labelling is clearly absent from the outer tier, indicating that keratinization of the outer tier occurs in the absence of actin filaments. In the cells of the third to fifth tiers, the cytoplasm possesses abundant small mucous granules (0.1–0.3 µm), and fewer TF compared to the cytoplasm in the spines. The cells of the innermost tiers and the basal layer possess few TF bundles, but no mucous granules. The potential of AO filament cells to produce both mucous granules and keratin filaments is noteworthy. The observations provide evidence that specific regions of fish epidermis can actually undergo a true process of keratinization.
Morphological variation and sexual dimorphism of the cephalic scales in Lacerta bilineata
Authors: Bruner Emiliano , Costantini David , Fanfani Alberto , Dell’Omo Giacomo
Published: November 2005

The Western green lizard (Lacerta bilineata) is a lacertid distributed throughout Mediterranean and Central Europe. Little is known about the morphological variability and sexual shape differences in this species. In this paper, the variation of the cephalic scales in L. bilineata is analysed by means of a geometric morphometric approach. A main structural pattern is characterized by negative allometry of the frontal and interparietal areas, and positive allometry of the parietal and frontoparietal scales. Sexual differences are described both in size and shape. In males, the scales are generally larger, with relative shortening of the frontal area, frontoparietal enlargement, occipital lengthening and bulging of the parietal scales, which compresses and narrows the interparietal and occipital areas midsagittally. This pattern is based on a shared allometric trajectory, with males displaying a peramorphic morphotype. However, males show some shape differences in the occipital area that are not size‐related, and cannot be interpreted in terms of general head enlargement. This structural trajectory can be related to the development of the skull, but the role of soft tissues (temporal, nuchal and masticatory muscles) must also be considered. The development of the jaw and nuchal muscles involved in intra‐ and intersexual behaviours could have played a pivotal role in the evolution of this pattern.
Ultrastructure of sperm development in the free‐living marine nematode Metachromadora itoi (Chromadoria, Desmodorida)
Authors: Yushin Vladimir V. , Coomans August
Published: November 2005

The spermatogenesis of the free‐living marine nematode Metachromadora itoi was studied with electron microscopy. Spermatocytes and early spermatids have no cytoplasmic components specific for nematodes, i.e. membranous organelles (MO) and fibrous bodies (FB). The late spermatids are subdivided into the residual body and the main cell body with a centrally located nucleus devoid of a nuclear envelope. A pair of 9 × 2 centrioles is associated with the nuclei of spermatids and spermatozoa. The nucleus of the mature spermatid is surrounded by a thick mass of radially arranged FB delimited externally by a discontinuous layer of mitochondria, which underlie a thin ectoplasm. Sperm development is accompanied by transfer of FB matter through the mitochondrion layer into the ectoplasm. The immature spermatozoa from the testis have the centrally located nucleus surrounded by a transparent halo with remnants of FB. The halo is delimited by a sphere of mitochondria that underlie the thick fibrous ectoplasm, a derivative of the FB. In the mature spermatozoa the ectoplasm is transformed into the prominent unpolarized pseudopod. The central nucleus is surrounded by a transparent halo and a sphere of mitochondria, which underlie the pseudopod. MO were not found throughout spermatogenesis. In general, spermatogenesis in M. itoi differs from that observed in many nematodes but resembles in some details the sperm development in some chromadorid and tylenchomorph nematodes. The phylogenetic importance of this sperm development is discussed.
Diversity of form and behaviour among nemertean pilidium larvae
Authors: Lacalli Thurston C.
Published: November 2005

A selection of pilidium larvae are described from plankton collected from Bamfield Inlet in British Columbia, Canada, the Florida Gulf Coast and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Among the Bamfield larvae are examples attributable to Cerebratulus and Lineus, the former being among the largest pilidia known, up to 1.45 mm in height, and two previously undescribed types. Pilidium brachiatum from Florida is re‐described to highlight differences from Hubrechtella larvae, which are superficially similar, and an assortment of tropical forms is included to illustrate the predominance of the compressed gyrans‐type larva in this location. Pilidium larvae have typically been categorized by their shape as seen in lateral view. This account emphasizes the importance of three‐dimensional shape, pigmentation, overall architecture and behaviour in distinguishing between the larvae of different species.
Semicystic spermatogenesis and reproductive strategy in Ophidion barbatum (Pisces, Ophidiidae)
Authors: Hernández M. R. , Sàbat M. , Muñoz M. , Casadevall M.
Published: November 2005

In this paper the testicular structure and spermatogenesis of Ophidion barbatum are studied and the reproductive strategy of this species is analysed. The species has a rare type of spermatogenesis, called semicystic, in which the cyst ruptures in a stage prior to the spermatozoon stage. The most peculiar feature of the spermatozoon is its elongated shape, not typical of an oviparous species. Taking into account our results, the type of ovary and the spawning method, this species shows specialized characteristics which are fairly uncommon among oviparous species. The analysis of other biological aspects of the species, such as the capacity of the males to produce sounds, the low population density, the habit of individual members of burying themselves and the crepuscular habits, combined with our observations concerning their reproductive strategies, lead us to suggest a unique mating behaviour.
Insulin pump therapy in childhood diabetes—cost implications for Primary Care Trusts
Authors: Feltbower R. G. , Campbell F. M. , Bodansky H. J. , Stephenson C. R. , McKinney P. A.
Published: November 2005

Aims  Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are now responsible for the planning and delivery of health‐care services throughout England and Wales. As the 25 PCTs throughout Yorkshire are representative of the national distribution in terms of population structure and socio‐economic status, we aimed to address the paucity of information describing the burden of childhood diabetes in primary care and to evaluate the cost implications of insulin pump therapy on individual PCTs.

Methods  We extracted information from a population‐based register in Yorkshire, including 1952 patients diagnosed under the age of 15 years from 1990 to 2003. Each patient's postcode was linked to an individual PCT. Incidence rates (per 100 000 patient years) were derived and assessed for evidence of heterogeneity across PCTs and within Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs).

Results  Incidence rates were lower in West Yorkshire (19.1, 95% CI 18.0–20.2) than North‐east Yorkshire (20.3, 18.9–21.6), although this difference was not significant (P = 0.20). No significant evidence of heterogeneity in incidence rates was observed across PCTs (P = 0.46). Ninety per cent of all PCTs would expect four to seven newly diagnosed children per year, corresponding to a single general practitioner (GP) referring an individual for diagnosis once every 15 years on average. Assuming 1% of current patients under the age of 15 years with diabetes were to move onto insulin pump therapy, this would impose an additional cost of £400–1300 per year for each PCT. The average cost was 15% lower for PCTs in West Yorkshire than North and East Yorkshire.

Conclusions  The additional resources required to pay for insulin pump therapy for a small proportion of the diabetes population would be minimal given the potential benefits to these patients of improved control and anticipated reduction in long‐term morbidity.
Diabetes prevalence in England, 2001—estimates from an epidemiological model
Authors: Forouhi N. G. , Merrick D. , Goyder E. , Ferguson B. A. , Abbas J. , Lachowycz K. , Wild S. H.
Published: November 2005

Aims  To estimate the total prevalence of diabetes mellitus (diagnosed and undiagnosed) at national, regional and local level in England to support health‐care planning and delivery.

Methods  An epidemiological model was constructed by applying age–sex–ethnic‐specific reference prevalence rates from epidemiological studies to resident populations (2001 census) of England at national, regional, and local authority/Primary Care Trust levels.

Results  Estimated prevalence of total diabetes for all persons in England was 4.41% in 2001, equating to 2 168 000 persons. Type 2 diabetes was estimated to affect 2 002 000 persons (92.3%) and Type 1 diabetes 166 000 persons (7.7%). Diabetes prevalence was estimated to be higher in women (5.17%) than men (3.61%). People from ethnic minority groups had higher crude prevalence than White Europeans (4.29, 5.69, 6.63 and 2.13% among White Europeans, Black African/Caribbeans, South Asians and ‘other’ groups, respectively). Prevalence increased sharply with age (0.33, 3.37 and 13.92%, respectively, in those aged 0–29, 30–59 and 60+ years). The model allows use of user‐defined population denominator estimates to derive numbers and prevalence of people with diabetes for a given local population group, such as at ward or general practice level.

Conclusions  Self‐reported diabetes prevalence estimates from community surveys underestimate the true burden of diabetes. The model can be used to derive the expected total prevalence of diabetes in health areas that lack reliable data to facilitate the implementation of the National Service Framework for diabetes. It will also allow estimates of future diabetes prevalence to be derived, and can potentially be used for prevalence estimates in all of the UK.
Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in Korean men with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cho N. H. , Ahn C. W. , Park J. Y. , Ahn T. Y. , Lee H. W. , Park T. S. , Kim I. J. , Pomerantz K. , Park C. , Kimm K. C. , Choi D. S.
Published: November 2005

Aims  We investigated the prevalence and risk factors for developing erectile dysfunction (ED) in 1312 Korean men with diabetes in a multicentre study.

Methods  We used the modified International Index for Erectile Function‐5 criteria to identify mild, moderate and complete ED. A standardized face‐to‐face questionnaire was used by trained interviewers, and validated against telephone interviews. We recorded the duration of diabetes, level of glycaemic control, vital signs, complications, exercise and alcohol and smoking habits, and diabetes treatments used.

Results  The mean age and median duration of diabetes were 53.8 ± 6.65 and 6 years (range 1–43), respectively. The mean HbA1c and fasting glucose levels were 7.9 ± 1.65% and 8.6 ± 2.82 mmol/l, respectively. The overall prevalences of mild, moderate, complete ED and all ED (mild‐to‐complete) were 20.1, 19.5, 25.8 and 65.4%, respectively. ED was more common with age, reaching 79.3% in men aged > 60 years. Subjects aged > 60 years and with a duration of diabetes > 10 years were at greatest risk for all ED (OR = 10.4, 95% CI 5.8–18.5, P < 0.001) and complete ED (OR = 13.2, 95% CI 7.3–23.9, P < 0.001) when compared with the reference group (age 40–50 years with duration < 6 years). Age, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, insulin use, neuropathy and macrovascular complications were positively associated with ED, but alcohol consumption and exercise habits were negatively associated.

Conclusions  The prevalence of complete ED was approximately six times higher than in the general population.
Attentional functioning is impaired during acute hypoglycaemia in people with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: McAulay V. , Deary I. J. , Sommerfield A. J. , Frier B. M.
Published: November 2005

Aims  To examine the effects of acute insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia on different aspects of attention and on general non‐verbal reasoning in people with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods  A hyperinsulinaemic glucose clamp was used to maintain euglycaemia (4.5 mmol/l) or induce hypoglycaemia (2.6 mmol/l) on separate occasions in 16 adults with Type 1 diabetes each of whom were studied on two occasions in a counterbalanced order. During each study condition, the subjects completed parallel tests of cognitive function assessed by the Test of Everyday Attention and the Raven's Progressive Matrices.

Results  Hypoglycaemia caused a significant deterioration in tests sensitive to visual and auditory selective attention. During hypoglycaemia, attentional flexibility deteriorated and speed of information processing was delayed. Sustained attention and intelligence scores were preserved during hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions  In people with Type 1 diabetes, hypoglycaemia causes a significant deterioration in attentional abilities, while non‐verbal reasoning is preserved. It is likely therefore that many complex cognitive tasks which involve attention will be impaired during moderate hypoglycaemia during everyday life.