bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on in vitro Extrusion and Ultrastructure of the Spermatophore in Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Matsuo Tomohide , Mori Takayuki , Shiraishi Satoshi 
Published: April 2010

AbstractCopulation in ticks is completed by the insertion of the spermatophore into the female genital aperture by a male. The endospermatophore, a cord‐like structure and contents are packed in the ectospermatophore of the completed spermatophore. The endospermatophore extrudes just after insertion of the tip of the spermatophore. Only the endospermatophore enters the female genital tract, and the ectospermatophore remains outside the female body. The extrusion is observed in vitro in Haemaphysalis longicornis at various concentrations of NaCl solution: the process is accelerated in less concentrated solutions. The cord‐like structure and the endospermatophore finally receive contents extruded from the ectospermatophore. The tip of the cord‐like structure connects to the surface of the endospermatophore, and together form a loop after extrusion. Ultrastructural observations confirmed that the ectospermatophore wall is composed of four layers, and the contents consist of male germ cells and three types of secretions from the male accessory genital glands. As in other ticks the male germ cells are elongated spermatids in spermatophores just after formation and extrusion. Adlerocysts described in other ticks are not found in the spermatophore of H. longicornis.
Secretory Radial Glia in the Ectoneural System of the Sea Star Asterias rubens (Echinodermata)
Authors: Viehweg J. , Naumann W. W. , Olsson R. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPrevious studies of epithelial nervous systems have focused on the neuronal elements, but generally neglected the origin of neuro–glial interactions. In this study, we use a polyclonal antiserum directed against Reissner's substance to label non‐neuronal bipolar cells in the ectoneural part of the radial nerve cord in the sea star Asterias rubens. Ultrastructural results show secretory activity in these bipolar cells. Immunolabelled material is released into the extracellular matrix in the hyaline layer as well as in the region of the basal end‐feet. As a first step towards characterising the antigen, a specific protein band of 36 kD was demonstrated with immunoprecipitation. Cells of this type: (1) traverse the epithelium to full extent from the outer surface to the basal lamina; (2) carry a single apical cilium; (3) contain conspicuous bundles of intermediate filament; (4) produce a secretion which is, at least in part, homologous to the Reissner's substance which is produced by a primitive radial glia cell type in chordates. It is concluded that the bipolar cells in the ectoneural part of the surface epithelium of the sea star Asterias rubens are secretory radial glia, which evidently have a common origin to the radial glia which secretes Reissner's substance in chordates.
Symbiotic Bacteria on the Epidermis of Species of the Nemertodermatida (Platyhelminthes, Acoelomorpha)
Authors: Lundin Kennet 
Published: April 2010

AbstractMeara stichopi and an undescribed species of Meara, both endosymbiotic in the intestine of aspidochirote holothurians, possess filiform extraepidermal bacteria among the epidermal cilia. Similar bacteria were also observed on one specimen of the free‐living species Nemertoderma westbladi. The bacteria are of the gram‐negative type, as evident by cell wall structure and results from gramstaining. On a few specimens of M. stichopi, the bacteria were found to carry peculiar distal appendages, or buds, on stalked cup‐shaped cell extensions. As the bacteria described here appear to be species specific, they can be used in addition to other features in the often problematic characterization of the nemertodermatid species.
Signatures of speciation? Distribution and diversity of Hypoplectrus (Teleostei: Serranidae) colour morphotypes
Authors: Holt B. G. , Côté I. M. , Emerson B. C. 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTAim  To test historical and current influences on the distributions of sympatric colour morphotypes in the coral reef fish genus Hypoplectrus.Location  The Caribbean and surrounding tropical waters. These areas cover the entire distribution of the genus.Methods  A large and extensive database of Hypoplectrus sightings was used to establish the distribution of colour morphotypes and test a long‐standing hypothesis regarding their origin. First, we considered the evidence for the previously proposed ‘population centre’ hypothesis, which suggests that current morphotype distributions reflect past conditions where these colour forms evolved in allopatry. Using morphotype sighting data, the existence of clusters in occurrence and density was tested. Second, we examined whether the observed patterns of morphotype co‐occurrence deviate from random expectations using null model simulations, within subregions of the distribution of the genus, to infer ecological influences on distribution.Results  There is considerable variation in morphotype distribution, with even widespread morphotypes showing geographical clustering. There is also little evidence to suggest past or current geographical isolation, with only one of the 11 morphotypes (Hypoplectrus chlorurus) showing a density distribution that is consistent with the population centre hypothesis. Null model analyses show that variation in local morphotype co‐occurrence is typically significantly lower than expected under random dispersal conditions.Main conclusions  Our results strongly suggest that morphotype co‐occurrence is not random, but there is no evidence to suggest a past allopatric radiation in Hypoplectrus colour. Current distributions are likely to be driven by competitive interactions and/or habitat preferences. Our study highlights the value of the Hypoplectrus species complex as a system for the study of speciation in the marine environment, and implies that these closely related morphotypes have ecological relevance rather than being simple colour variants of a single polymorphic species.
Genetic analysis of LRRK2 functional domains in Brazilian patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Abdalla‐Carvalho C. B. , Santos‐Rebouças C. B. , Guimarães B. C. , Campos M. , Pereira J. S. , Zuma de Rosso A. L. , Nicaretta D. H. , Marinho e Silva M. , Mendonça dos Santos J. , Pimentel M. M. G. 
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  Mutations in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 gene (LRRK2) have been associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and the majority of the pathogenic variants are located in the ROC and MAPKKK domains.Methods:  Exons 29–31 and 38–44 (ROC and MAPKKK domains) were sequenced in 204 patients with PD, mostly Brazilian.Results:  We identified four polymorphisms, a novel silent variant p.R1398R and four substitutions: p.T1410M, p.G2019S, p.Y2189C and the novel variant p.C2139S.Conclusions:  The most prevalent mutation was the p.G2019S (2.4%). We consider that the p.T1410M and the p.Y2189C variants are probably polymorphisms and that the p.C2139S mutation is potentially pathogenic.
Co‐administration of ibuprofen and nitric oxide is an effective experimental therapy for muscular dystrophy, with immediate applicability to humans
Authors: Sciorati Clara , Buono Roberta , Azzoni Emanuele , Casati Silvana , Ciuffreda Pierangela , D'Angelo Grazia , Cattaneo Dario , Brunelli Silvia , Clementi Emilio 
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  Current therapies for muscular dystrophy are based on corticosteroids. Significant side effects associated with these therapies have prompted several studies aimed at identifying possible alternative strategies. As inflammation and defects of nitric oxide (NO) generation are key pathogenic events in muscular dystrophies, we have studied the effects of combining the NO donor isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug ibuprofen.Experimental approach:  α‐Sarcoglycan‐null mice were treated for up to 8 months with ISDN (30 mg·kg−1) plus ibuprofen (50 mg·kg−1) administered daily in the diet. Effects of ISDN and ibuprofen alone were assessed in parallel. Drug effects on animal motility and muscle function, muscle damage, inflammatory infiltrates and cytokine levels, as well as muscle regeneration including assessment of endogenous stem cell pool, were measured at selected time points.Key results:  Combination of ibuprofen and ISDN stimulated regeneration capacity, of myogenic precursor cells, reduced muscle necrotic damage and inflammation. Muscle function in terms of free voluntary movement and resistance to exercise was maintained throughout the time window analysed. The effects of ISDN and ibuprofen administered separately were transient and significantly lower than those induced by their combination.Conclusions and implications:  Co‐administration of NO and ibuprofen provided synergistic beneficial effects in a mouse model of muscular dystrophy, leading to an effective therapy. Our results open the possibility of immediate clinical testing of a combination of ISDN and ibuprofen in dystrophic patients, as both components are approved for use in humans, with a good safety profile.
Impact of Scribes on Performance Indicators in the Emergency Department
Authors: Arya Rajiv , Salovich Danielle M. , Ohman‐Strickland Pamela , Merlin Mark A. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives:  The objective was to quantify the effect of scribes on three measures of emergency physician (EP) productivity in an adult emergency department (ED).Methods:  For this retrospective study, 243 clinical shifts (of either 10 or 12 hours) worked by 13 EPs during an 18‐month period were selected for evaluation. Payroll data sheets were examined to determine whether these shifts were covered, uncovered, or partially covered (for less than 4 hours) by a scribe; partially covered shifts were grouped with uncovered shifts for analysis. Covered shifts were compared to uncovered shifts in a clustered design, by physician. Hierarchical linear models were used to study the association between percentage of patients with which a scribe was used during a shift and EP productivity as measured by patients per hour, relative value units (RVUs) per hour, and turnaround time (TAT) to discharge.Results:  RVUs per hour increased by 0.24 units (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.10 to 0.38, p = 0.0011) for every 10% increment in scribe usage during a shift. The number of patients per hour increased by 0.08 (95% CI = 0.04 to 0.12, p = 0.0024) for every 10% increment of scribe usage during a shift. TAT was not significantly associated with scribe use. These associations did not lose significance after accounting for physician assistant (PA) use.Conclusions:  In this retrospective study, EP use of a scribe was associated with improved overall productivity as measured by patients treated per hour (Pt/hr) and RVU generated per hour by EPs, but not as measured by TAT to discharge.ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:490–494 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Effectiveness of Corticosteroid Treatment in Acute Pharyngitis: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Wing Andrew , Villa‐Roel Cristina , Yeh Benson , Eskin Barnet , Buckingham Jeanette , Rowe Brian H. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives:  The objective was to examine the effectiveness of corticosteroid treatment for the relief of pain associated with acute pharyngitis potentially caused by group A beta‐hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS).Methods:  This was a systematic review of the literature. Data sources used were electronic databases (Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Biosis Previews, Scopus, and Web of Science), controlled trial registration websites, conference proceedings, study references, experts in the field, and correspondence with authors. Selection criteria consisted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which corticosteroids, alone or in combination with antibiotics, were compared to placebo or any other standard therapy for treatment of acute pharyngitis in adult patients, pediatric patients, or both. Two reviewers independently assessed for relevance, inclusion, and study quality. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were calculated and are reported with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results:  From 272 potentially relevant citations, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. When compared to placebo, corticosteroids reduced the time to clinically meaningful pain relief (WMD = −4.54 hours; 95% CI = −7.19 to −1.89); however, they provided only a small reduction in pain scores at 24 hours (WMD = −0.90 on a 0−10 visual analog scale; 95% CI = −1.5 to −0.3). Heterogeneity among pooled studies was identified for both outcomes (I2 = 81 and 74%, respectively); however, the GABHS‐positive subgroup receiving corticosteroid treatment did have a significant mean reduction in time to clinically meaningful pain relief of 5.22 hours (95% CI = −7.02 to −3.42; I2 = 0%). Short‐term side effect profiles between corticosteroids and placebo groups were similar.Conclusions:  Corticosteroid administration for acute pharyngitis was associated with a relatively small effect in time to clinically meaningful pain relief (4.5‐hour reduction) and in pain relief at 24 hours (0.9‐point reduction), with significant heterogeneity in the pooled results. Decision‐making should be individualized to determine the risks and benefits; however, corticosteroids should not be used as routine treatment for acute pharyngitis.ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:476–483 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Increased sensitivity of patch testing by standardized tape stripping beforehand: a multicentre diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Dickel Heinrich , Kreft Burkhard , Kuss Oliver , Worm Margitta , Soost Stephanie , Brasch Jochen , Pfützner Wolfgang , Grabbe Jürgen , Angelova‐Fischer Irena , Elsner Peter , Fluhr Joachim , Altmeyer Peter , Geier Johannes 
Published: April 2010

Background: As a modification of patch testing, the strip patch test was established to obtain more sensitive and reliable test results. Comparative data on diagnostic accuracy for both tests are missing. Objectives: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of strip patch tests and patch tests in detecting sensitizations in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis by using patient history as the reference standard. Patients/methods: In a multicentre, prospective, investigator‐blinded study 790 patients were enrolled. The defined reference standard was established prior to patch testing. Patch tests were performed with nickel sulfate, potassium dichromate, and lanolin alcohol. Duplicate tests were simultaneously performed on both sides of the back, of which one randomly chosen side was tape stripped beforehand, according to a standardized procedure. Primary outcome was the difference in sensitivity between strip patch test and patch test. Results: Seven hundred and eighty‐seven patients were included in the analysis. Strip patch tests detected considerably more sensitization to nickel sulfate and potassium dichromate than patch tests: differences of sensitivities were 16.4% (95% CI, 8.7–24.1%) for nickel sulfate and 25.0% (95% CI, 8.9–41.0%) for potassium dichromate, both favouring the strip patch test. Conclusions: The standardized strip patch test proved to be accurate and clinically safe and is promising to improve diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis beyond the patch test.
Multiple environmental determinants of regional species richness and effects of geographic range size
Authors: Tello J. Sebastián , Stevens Richard D. 
Published: April 2010

Understanding patterns of species richness at broad geographic extents remains one of the most challenging yet necessary scientific goals of our time. Many hypotheses have been proposed to account for spatial variation in species richness; among them, environmental determinants have played a central role. In this study, we use data on regional bat species richness in the New World to study redundancy and complementarity of three environmental hypotheses: energy, heterogeneity and seasonality. We accomplish this by partitioning variation in species richness among components associated with unique and combined effects of variables from each hypotheses, and by partitioning the overall richness gradient into gradients of species with varying breadths of geographic distribution.These three environmental hypotheses explain most variation in the species richness gradient of all bats, but do not account for all positive spatial autocorrelation at short distances. Although environmental predictors are highly redundant, energy and seasonality explain different and complementary fractions of variation in species richness of all bats. On the other hand, heterogeneity variables contribute little to explain this gradient. However, results change dramatically when richness is estimated for groups of species with different sizes of geographic distribution. First, the amount of variation explained by environment decreases with a decrease in range size; this suggests that richness gradients of small‐ranged species can not be explained as easily as those of broadly distributed species, as has been implied by analyses that do not consider differences in range size among species. Second, the relative contribution of environmental predictors to explained variation also changes with change in range size. Seasonality and energy are good predictors of species with broad distributions, but they loose almost all explanatory power for richness of species with small ranges. In contrast, heterogeneity, which is a relatively poor predictor of richness of species with large ranges, becomes the main predictor of richness gradients of species with restricted distributions. This suggests that range size is a different dimension on which heterogeneity and other environmental characteristics are complementary to each other. Our results suggest that determinants of species richness gradients might be complex, or at least more complex than many studies have previously suggested.
Adolescents with type 1 diabetes and risky behaviour
Authors: Scaramuzza AE , De Palma A , Mameli C , Spiri D , Santoro L , Zuccotti GV 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAim:  The aim of the student is to assess whether adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in Italy differ from their healthy peers in regard to risky behaviour.Methods:  Data were collected from 215 patients, aged 14 ± 2 years with a mean disease duration of 7 ± 5 years. The control group was comprised of 464 healthy adolescents recruited among high school students. Each patient completed an anonymous confidential questionnaire to determine the prevalence of sexual behaviour, alcohol and tobacco consumption, illicit drug use, and, among patients with diabetes and frequency of mismanagement related to diabetes care.Results:  Compared with controls, subjects with diabetes showed a similar rate of sexual intercourse among males and lower rates among females (34.8% vs 35.5%, p NS and 29.4% vs 41.4%, p < 0.05, respectively). Males in the diabetes group reported a higher rate of tobacco use, whereas females showed similar or higher rates of use for every illicit drug studied. Among patients with diabetes, those who are engaged in risky behaviour showed a higher rate of treatment mismanagement (76% vs 34%, p < 0.01).Conclusion:  Adolescents with T1DM are as likely as their healthy peers to engage in risky behaviour, indicating the potential benefit of anticipatory guidance concerning glycaemic control and increased risk of acute and chronic complications.
Radial growth responses to gap creation in large, old Sequoiadendron giganteum
Authors: York Robert A. , Fuchs Danielle , Battles John J. , Stephens Scott L. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractQuestions: Do large, old Sequoiadondron giganteum trees respond to the creation of adjacent canopy gaps? Do other co‐occurring tree species and younger S. giganteum adjacent to gaps also respond? What are the likely factors affecting growth responses?Location: Mixed‐conifer forests of the southern Sierra Nevada, California, USA.Methods: We measured the growth response of large, old S. giganteum trees (mean DBH=164 cm; ages estimated >1000 yr) to gap creation by coring trees and comparing growth after gap creation to growth before gap creation. We also measured young Abies concolor, Pinus lambertiana, and young S. giganteum. Gap‐adjacent trees were compared with non‐adjacent reference trees. Tree rings were analysed for carbon isotope discrimination and for longer‐term growth trend correlations with climate.Results: Following gap creation gap‐adjacent old S. giganteum grew more than reference trees. Abies concolor trees also exhibited a growth response to gap creation. No response was detected for young S. giganteum or P. lambertiana, although detection power was lower for these groups. There was no difference in carbon isotope discrimination response to gap creation between gap‐adjacent and reference trees for old S. giganteum and radial growth was positively correlated with winter precipitation, but not growing season temperature.Conclusion: It is unclear what caused the growth release in old S. giganteum trees, although liberation of below‐ground resources following removal of competing vegetation appears to be a significant contributor. Sequoiadondron giganteum, the third‐longest lived and the largest of all species, remains sensitive to local environmental changes even after canopy emergence. Management activities that reduce vegetation surrounding individual specimen trees can be expected to result in increased vigor of even these very old and large trees.
Controversies in Sexual Medicine: Organic vs. Psychogenic? The Manichean Diagnosis in Sexual Medicine
Authors: Jannini Emmanuele A. , McCabe Marita P. , Salonia Andrea , Montorsi Francesco , Sachs Benjamin D. 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The Manichean diagnosis, psychogenic or organic, is the first and most frequent diagnostic scope managing sexual disorders. The aim of this Controversy is to discuss if this philosophy is still useful both in the conceptual and clinical perspective.

Methods
Five scientists (an endocrinologist, two psychologist, and two urologists) with expertise in the area of psychosexology and sexual medicine were asked to contribute with their opinions.

Main Outcome Measure
Expert opinion supported by the critical review of the currently available literature.

Result
Expert # 1, who is Controversy’s section Editor, suggests that the term psychogenic is redundant, because all sexual dysfunctions involve the mind and the relationship with (at least) one partner. Furthermore, he is strongly against the exclusion diagnosis, in agreement with the Expert # 5. The idea that the psychogenic etiology is always present is also sustained with good arguments by the Expert # 2. On the other hand, the two Experts # 3 and 4 argue that a pharmacological treatment such as type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors or dapoxetine work in both organic and psychogenic conditions and that the attempt to perform a diagnostic effort is frequently useless. Last but not least, the Expert # 5 concludes that the mind–body dualism is to be considered obsolete and unhelpful in a modern approach to the patient with a sexual dysfunction.

Conclusions
The reader of the Journal will judge if there is still a room for the Manichean diagnosis of different sexual dysfunctions or if it is time to completely change our perspective on this essential aspect of clinical sexual medicine.