bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discrete colour polymorphism in the tawny dragon lizard (Ctenophorus decresii) and differences in signal conspicuousness among morphs
Authors: Teasdale L. C. , Stevens M. , Stuart‐Fox D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntraspecific colour variation is common in nature and can vary from the coexistence of discrete colour variants in polymorphic species to continuous variation. Whether coloration is continuous or discrete is often ambiguous and many species exhibit a combination of the two. The nature of the variation (discrete or continuous) has implications for both the genetic basis of the colour variation and the evolutionary processes generating and maintaining it. Consequently, it is important to qualify the existence of discrete morphs, particularly in relation to the animal's visual system. In this study, we quantified male throat colour variation in Ctenophorus decresii tawny dragon lizard and tested for morphological and ecological correlates of the colour variants. We confirmed that discrete throat colour morphs can be defined based on colour and pattern analyses independent of the human visual system. We also found that the colour variants differed in their conspicuousness from the background, to the lizard's visual system, which has implications for signalling. However, the morphs did not differ in morphology or microhabitat use, which suggests that these characteristics are not involved in the evolutionary maintenance of the polymorphism.
Rodlet cells in Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii peelii (Mitchell), affected with chronic ulcerative dermatopathy
Authors: Schultz A G , Jones P L , Toop T 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe have previously identified an unknown cell type in the gills of Murray cod affected with chronic ulcerative dermatopathy (CUD), a condition that causes severe erosion of epidermis surrounding cephalic and lateral line sensory canals. The condition arises in aquaculture facilities that utilize groundwater, with the cause of the condition suggested to be an unknown contaminant(s). Light and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize and quantify the unknown cells in CUD‐affected Murray cod. The cells were identified as rodlet cells and were characterized by their oval or round shape, basally located nucleus, thick fibrillar capsule surrounding the cell, and multiple rodlet sacs containing a central electron‐dense core within the cell. Rodlet cells were present in the gills, kidney and intestine of non‐CUD‐affected and CUD‐affected Murray cod; however, differences in the numbers were observed between the groups of fish. A significantly greater number of rodlet cells were observed in the gills and collecting ducts of CUD‐affected fish. This is the first report of rodlet cells in Murray cod, and we suggest that the increased rodlet cell numbers in CUD‐affected Murray cod may be in response to unknown water contaminant(s) present in the groundwater that give rise to CUD.
Health professionals', expert patients' and dieters' beliefs and attitudes about obesity
Authors: McConnon A. , Gribble R. , Raats M. M. , Stubbs J. , Shepherd R 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundResearch has suggested that patients and treatment providers hold different beliefs and models of obesity. This could impact upon the consistency and quality of interventions for weight management. The present study investigated the attitudes and beliefs of health professionals, commercial weight management advisors (expert patients) and overweight and obese dieters, towards obesity.MethodsData were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire from 287 health professionals, 85 expert patients and 116 dieters. Respondents gave their views on obesity causation and consequences, and the most efficacious means to manage obesity. Demographic data and self‐reported height and weight were also collected. Factor analysis, analysis of variance and t‐tests were used to analyse the data.ResultsHealth professionals, expert patients and dieters held similar models of obesity, identifying the same causes (lifestyle causes), consequences (medical consequences) and treatments (current recommended options) of obesity/overweight.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study indicate a broader similarity between beliefs and attitudes of those involved in obesity treatment and those that they aim to treat than was previously assumed. The concordance of beliefs between patients and treatment providers is an encouraging finding and may have important implications for public health strategies in this area.
The effect of phosphatidylserine administration on memory and symptoms of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hirayama S. , Terasawa K. , Rabeler R. , Hirayama T. , Inoue T. , Tatsumi Y. , Purpura M. , Jäger R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundAttention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed behavioural disorder of childhood, affecting 3–5% of school‐age children. The present study investigated whether the supplementation of soy‐derived phosphatidylserine (PS), a naturally occurring phospholipid, improves ADHD symptoms in children.MethodsThirty six children, aged 4–14 years, who had not previously received any drug treatment related to ADHD, received placebo (n = 17) or 200 mg day–1 PS (n = 19) for 2 months in a randomised, double‐blind manner. Main outcome measures included: (i) ADHD symptoms based on DSM‐IV‐TR; (ii) short‐term auditory memory and working memory using the Digit Span Test of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children; and (iii) mental performance to visual stimuli (GO/NO GO task).ResultsPS supplementation resulted in significant improvements in: (i) ADHD (P < 0.01), AD (P < 0.01) and HD (P < 0.01); (ii) short‐term auditory memory (P < 0.05); and (iii) inattention (differentiation and reverse differentiation, P < 0.05) and inattention and impulsivity (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in other measurements and in the placebo group. PS was well‐tolerated and showed no adverse effects.ConclusionsPS significantly improved ADHD symptoms and short‐term auditory memory in children. PS supplementation might be a safe and natural nutritional strategy for improving mental performance in young children suffering from ADHD.
Can a web‐based food record accurately assess energy intake in overweight and obese women? A pilot study
Authors: Hutchesson M. J. , Truby H. , Callister R. , Morgan P. J. , Davies P. S. W. , Collins C. E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundInnovative dietary intake measurement tools, such as web‐based food records, are becoming increasingly available for self‐monitoring. However, the accuracy of this method has not been well studied. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of energy intake (EI) estimated by a web‐based food record, by comparison with total energy expenditure (TEE) measured by doubly‐labelled water (DLW) in overweight and obese women.MethodsTotal energy expenditure (TEE) was assessed in weight stable (±1 kg) women (n = 9), with a mean (SD) age of 34.5 (11.3) years and body mass index of 29.2 (1.4) kg m–2 over 10 days using the DLW technique. All food and beverages were self‐reported for 9‐days using a web‐based food record and mean daily EI calculated. Food record accuracy was assessed by calculating the absolute (EI − TEE) and percentage (EI/TEE × 100) differences between EI and TEE. Women were identified as under‐reporters of EI based on the 95% confidence limits of the expected EI : TEE of 1.ResultsThe mean (SD) self‐reported EI was 8351 (1225) kJ day−1 [1996 (293) kcal day−1] and TEE was 10 648 (1774) kJ day−1 [2545 (424) kcal day−1]. The mean (SD) absolute difference in self‐reported EI and TEE was −2301 (1535) kJ day−1 [−550 (367) kcal day−1], representing a mean reporting accuracy of 79.6% (14.1%), with four participants under‐reporting EI.ConclusionsThis pilot study highlights the opportunity for the use of the Internet as a novel medium for recording and assessing dietary intake. Although further research is needed in more diverse population groups, the accuracy of web‐based food records for assessing EI appears to be consistent with other published dietary intake methods.
Earnings Benchmarks and the Information Content of Quarterly Foreign Earnings of U.S. Multinational Companies
Authors: Lacina Michael J. , Marks Barry R. , Shin Haeyoung 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe meeting of earnings benchmarks is considered important for investors. The chief financial officers of U.S. companies state that the three most important earnings thresholds to meet are the earnings in the same quarter last year, the analysts' earnings forecast for the current quarter, and zero earnings. These earnings benchmarks have been defined in terms of total earnings. For U.S. multinational firms, total earnings consist primarily of domestic earnings and foreign earnings. We conduct an event study where we examine (1) the stock market reaction to meeting or beating quarterly domestic and foreign earnings benchmarks and (2) the market reaction to the changes in quarterly domestic and foreign earnings, while we control for meeting or beating the analysts' earnings forecast and the analysts' earnings forecast surprise. We find that the quarterly financial statement disclosure of domestic and foreign earnings under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 supplies investors with valuable information that was not previously disseminated through financial analysts or other sources. The stock market reaction to meeting or beating foreign earnings from the same quarter in the prior year is stronger than the market reaction to meeting or beating domestic earnings from the same quarter in the prior year.
Analysis of constant tissue remodeling in Syrian hamster Harderian gland: intra‐tubular and inter‐tubular syncytial masses
Authors: Coto‐Montes Ana , García‐Macía Marina , Caballero Beatriz , Sierra Verónica , Rodríguez‐Colunga María J. , Reiter Russel J. , Vega‐Naredo Ignacio 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe Syrian hamster Harderian gland (HG) has a marked sexual dimorphism and exhibits an extraordinary rate of porphyrinogenesis. The physiological oxidative stress, derived from constant porphyrin production, is so high that the HG needs additional survival autophagic mechanisms to fight against this chronic exposure, provoking the triggering of a holocrine secretion in female glands that forms two types of secretory masses: intra‐tubular‐syncytial and inter‐tubular‐syncytial masses. The aim of this work was to study the development of this inter‐tubular holocrine secretion. To approach this task, we have considered that the steps developed during the formation of the so‐called invasive masses consist of the growth of epithelial cells, cell detachment from the basal lamina and invasion of surrounding tissues. The presence of these masses, particularly in the female HG, are closely linked to sexual dimorphism in redox balance and to alterations in the expression of certain factors such as cytokeratins, P‐cadherin, matrix metalloproteinases, cathepsin H, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, p53, CD‐31 and vascular endothelial growth factor, which seem to be involved in tissue remodeling. The results document unusual mechanisms of secretion in Syrian hamster HG: an extraordinary system of massive secretion through the conjunctive tissue, disrupting the branched structure of the gland.
Hysteroscopic management of displaced levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system
Authors: Kuzel David , Hrazdirova Lucie , Kubinova Kristyna , Dundr Pavel , Cibula David , Mara Michal 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimThis study was designed to evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of hysteroscopic intervention in the management of symptoms related to the displaced levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS).Material and MethodsOne hundred and thirteen patients with displaced LNG‐IUS presenting with irregular uterine bleeding, pelvic pain or asymptomatic displacement were recruited for hysteroscopic examination. Displaced LNG‐IUS was relocated by hysteroscopic intervention and the effect on symptoms and LNG‐IUS position was followed.ResultsThe displaced LNG‐IUS was successfully relocated by hysteroscope in 112 (99.1%) of 113 cases. Following LNG‐IUS relocation, 71 (79.8%) patients of 89 with preoperative irregular uterine bleeding had amenorrhea or vaginal spotting, and 14 of 15 (93.3%) patients with preoperative pelvic pain became asymptomatic. LNG‐IUS expulsion was recorded in two patients 7 and 21 days after hysteroscopy.ConclusionDisplaced LNG‐IUS can cause clinical symptoms (e.g. irregular bleeding, pain). Hysteroscopic relocation of displaced LNG‐IUS is a feasible method in the management of these symptoms. Risk of spontaneous expulsion associated with hysteroscopy is low.
Age at menarche and pregnancy‐related pelvic pain
Authors: Kirkeby Mette J. , Biering Karin , Olsen Jørn , Juhl Mette , Nohr Ellen A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimMenarcheal age is a predictor of several complications related to pregnancy and diseases later in life. We aimed to study if menarcheal age is a risk factor for pregnancy‐related pelvic pain.Material and MethodsA nested case–control study was conducted within the Danish National Birth Cohort, a cohort of pregnant women, recruited during 1996–2002, and their children. In the second trimester of pregnancy the women provided information about age at menarche and potential confounders. Selection of cases (n = 2227) was based on self‐reported pelvic pain during pregnancy from an interview done 6 months post‐partum. The controls (n = 2588) were randomly selected among women who did not report pelvic pain. We used logistic regression analysis to calculate odds ratios (OR) for pregnancy‐related pelvic pain according to age at menarche.ResultsIn the cohort, 18.5% of all pregnant women reported pregnancy‐related pelvic pain. Compared to women who were 12–14 years old at menarche, the adjusted OR for overall pelvic pain were 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.7) in women 11 years or younger and 0.8 (95%CI 0.6–0.9) in women 15 years or older. The corresponding adjusted OR for severe pelvic pain were 1.6 (95%CI 1.3–2.0) and 0.7 (95%CI 0.6–0.9). When age was analyzed as a continuous variable, the odds for overall and severe pelvic pain decreased with 14% and 16%, respectively, for each increasing year.ConclusionsThe risk of pregnancy‐related pelvic pain decreased with increasing menarcheal age in an ‘exposure‐response’ pattern. A low menarcheal age is a risk indicator and may be a risk factor for pregnancy‐related pelvic pain.
Aster Yellows Subgroup 16SrI‐C Phytoplasma in Rhododendron hybridum
Authors: Přibylová Jaroslava , Špak Josef , Fránová Jana 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSymptoms of unknown aetiology on Rhododendron hybridum cv. Cunningham's White were observed in the Czech Republic in 2010. The infected plant had malformed leaves, with irregular shaped edges, mosaic, leaf tip necrosis and multiple axillary shoots with smaller leaves. Transmission electron microscopy showed phytoplasma‐like bodies in phloem cells of the symptomatic plant. Phytoplasma presence was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using phytoplasma‐specific, universal and group‐specific primer pairs. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of 16S rDNA enabled classification of the detected phytoplasma into the aster yellows subgroup I‐C. Sequence analysis of the 16S‐23S ribosomal operon of the amplified phytoplasma genome from the infected rhododendron plant (1724 bp) confirmed the closest relationship with the Czech Echinacea purpurea phyllody phytoplasma. These data suggest Rhododendron hybridum is a new host for the aster yellows phytoplasma subgroup 16SrI‐C in the Czech Republic and worldwide.
Comparative accuracy of several published formulae for the estimation of serum osmolality in cats
Authors: Dugger D. T. , Mellema M. S. , Hopper K. , Epstein S. E. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo determine the osmole gap utilizing 18 previously published formulae for the estimation of serum osmolality in cats.ProceduresSerum samples were frozen at −80°C after routine biochemical analysis. An Advanced Micro Osmometer 3300 was used to measure serum osmolality. Eighteen previously reported formulae were used to calculate osmolality from biochemical analysis results. The calculated osmolality was subtracted from the measured osmolality to determine the osmole gap. Osmole gaps for azotaemic and hyperglycaemic cats were compared to those from cats without azotaemia or hyperglycaemia using each formula.ResultsThe osmole gaps varied dependent on the formula used and the presence or absence of hyperglycaemia or azotaemia. Eleven formulae led to calculated osmolality and osmole gaps that were not statistically different when hyperglycaemia, azotaemia or both were present. Four of these 11 formulae resulted in osmole gaps near zero. For each formula used, the osmole gap increased with increasing osmolality.Clinical SignificanceMultiple formulae to calculate serum osmolality can be used, but they result in significantly different osmole gaps. Clinicians should be aware of the specific reference interval for the formula being used. The formula [2(Na+) + glucose +BUN] is recommended as it is easy to use and reliable even in the presence of hyperglycaemia and/or azotaemia.
The efficacy of n‐butyl‐cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive for closure of canine laparoscopic ovariectomy port site incisions
Authors: Pope J. F. A. , Knowles T. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of n‐butyl‐cyanoacrylate used to close port site skin incisions following canine laparoscopic ovariectomy and to assess owner attitudes to surgical adhesive.MethodsThe case records of dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy at a single centre during a 42‐month period were examined. Dogs with incisions closed with n‐butyl‐cyanoacrylate were included. Cases with less than 8 weeks follow‐up were excluded. Data relating to dehiscence, swelling, erythema, discharge or hypersensitivity postoperatively were recorded and reviewed. Postal questionnaires were sent to the dogs’ owners.ResultsA total of 289 dogs satisfied inclusion criteria. No complications occurred in 602 of 695 (86 · 6%) incisions. Complications occurred in 93 of 695 (13 · 4%) incisions: 33 of 695 (4 · 7%) dehisced, 38 of 695 (5 · 5%) swelled postoperatively, 59 of 695 (8 · 5%) developed erythema and 29 of 695 (4 · 2%) developed a discharge. Complications were significantly more likely for a 10 mm incision than for a 5 mm incision (P < 0 · 001). There were no reported cases of hypersensitivity relating to the use of n‐butyl‐cyanoacrylate, nor any long‐term adverse reactions. When owners scored incisions for scarring using a visual analogue scale (0: excellent, 10: poor) the mean and median scores were 0 · 7 and 0, respectively.Clinical SignificanceThis study suggests that n‐butyl‐cyanoacrylate is an acceptable method for closing laparoscopic port sites in dogs.
Evaluation of accuracy of the Finnish elbow dysplasia screening protocol in Labrador retrievers
Authors: Lappalainen A. K. , Mölsä S. , Liman A. , Snellman M. , Laitinen‐Vapaavuori O. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo determine whether the current Finnish screening method using a single flexed mediolateral view as scored by osteophyte is sufficient to diagnose mild elbow dysplasia in Labrador retrievers and to determine if an additional craniocaudal oblique projection would result in improvement in the screening protocol.Materials and MethodsThirteen dogs with one mildly affected elbow joint and one elbow joint without radiological evidence of osteophytes were studied. Radiographic and computed tomography studies were performed and the results compared with each other.ResultsMedial compartment disease was observed in 14 of 26 joints based on computed tomography. The sensitivity and specificity of the grading based mainly on osteoarthritis was 79 and 92%, respectively. A strong association existed between elbow dysplasia based on computed tomography and medial humeral epicondylar osteophytes on the craniocaudal projection.Clinical SignificanceA single mediolateral flexed radiograph is reliable in diagnosing mild elbow dysplasia in Labrador retrievers. However, the craniocaudal oblique projection increases the specificity of the diagnosis, and it is proposed that it be included in the radiographic protocol in this breed.
Partial sleep restriction modulates secretory activity of thyrotropic axis in healthy men
Authors: Schmid Sebastian M. , Hallschmid Manfred , Jauch‐Chara Kamila , Kück Mareike C. , Lehnert Hendrik , Schultes Bernd 
Published: March 2013

SummarySleep and endocrine function are known to be closely related, but studies on the effect of moderate sleep loss on endocrine axes are still sparse. We examined the influence of partial sleep restriction for 2 days on the secretory activity of the thyrotropic axis. Fifteen healthy, normal‐weight men were tested in a balanced, cross‐over study. Serum concentrations of thyrotrophin (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) were monitored at 1‐h intervals during a 15‐h daytime period (08:00–23:00 h) following two nights of restricted sleep (bedtime 02:45–07:00 h) and two nights of regular sleep (bedtime 22:45–07:00 h), respectively. Serum concentrations of fT3 (P < 0.026) and fT4 (P = 0.089) were higher after sleep restriction than regular sleep, with a subsequent blunting of TSH concentrations in the evening hours of the sleep restriction condition (P = 0.008). These results indicate profound alterations in the secretory activity of the thyrotropic axis after 2 days of sleep restriction to ~4 h, suggesting that acute partial sleep loss impacts endocrine homeostasis, with potential consequences for health and wellbeing.