bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phlebotomus caucasicus and Phlebotomus mongolensis (Diptera: Psychodidae): indistinguishable by the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene in Iran
Authors: Parvizi P. , Taherkhani H. , Ready P.D. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractDiagnostic molecular markers for the females of Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotomus) caucasicus and P. mongolensis were sought by characterizing from individual Iranian specimens a gene fragment, namely mitochondrial cytochrome b, that had previously proven useful for the taxonomy of phlebotomine sandflies. Males of both species were used as reference material because their external genitalia provide the only diagnostic morphological characters. A phylogenetic analysis of the new sequences, and those previously reported for P. grimmi, found no support for recognizing more than one species (P. caucasicus s.l.) in Iran. Most of the genetic variation was geographical. An absence of lineage sorting was demonstrated, and it is proposed that any search for species-specific molecular markers for these three taxonomic species should be continued by applied biologists only if there is better evidence for associating any one of them with phenotypes important for understanding the transmission of Leishmania species in foci of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis.
High species richness of Chironomidae (Diptera) in temporary flooded wetlands associated with high species turn-over rates
Authors: Lundström J.O. , Brodin Y. , Schäfer M.L. , Vinnersten T.Z. Persson , Östman Ö. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractSpecies richness and species turn-over of Chironomidae was studied in irregularly flooded wetlands of the River Dalälven flood-plains in central Sweden. The chironomid fauna, sampled with emergence traps in six wetlands over six summers, contained as much as 135 species, and the cumulative species curves indicated that the regional species pool contain several more species. Recurrent irregular floods may have induced this high chironomid species richness and the high species turn-over in the temporary wetlands, as the dominance between terrestrial and aquatic species shifted between years. Half of the wetlands were treated withBacillus thuringiensisvar.israelensis(Bti) against larvae of the flood-water mosquitoAedes sticticus. These treatments had no significant effect on chironomid species richness, but there was a higher species turn-over between years of primarily low abundance species in the treated wetlands. The cumulative number of species was also higher in theBti-treated experimental wetlands than in the untreated reference wetlands. Thus,Btitreatment against mosquito larvae seemed to have only small effects on chironomid species richness but seemed to increase the colonisation-extinction dynamics.
Is wood safe for its inhabitants?
Authors: Walczyńska A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe generally accepted assumption on the low mortality pressure for inside-tree habitat was challenged in this study. To achieve this objective, the number of larval instars of xylem-feeding Aredolpona rubra (L.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) was determined using multidimensional statistics, and the life table was constructed based on the head-width distribution of larvae taken from the field. The mean value of natural mortality of an average larva was then compared with data available for other wood-feeding species and contrasted with insects from other feeding guilds. The results show that larvae living in wood experience lower mortality rates than those from other habitats and that, among the wood-feeders, the mortality rate of larvae decreases while development time increases further inside the tree.
EFFECTS OF A FORMAL TRAINING PROGRAMME ON CONSANGUINEOUS MARRIAGES ON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS' KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES: AN INTERVENTIONAL STUDY FROM TURKEY
Authors: KISIOGLU AHMET NESIMI , ORMECI AHMET RIFAT , USKUN ERSIN , OZTURK MUSTAFA , ONGEL KURTULUS 
Published: November 2009

SummaryConsanguineous marriage is traditionally common throughout the eastern Mediterranean region. Research has suggested that it is closely linked to the sociocultural and socioeconomical status of individuals, and education plays a critical role in decreasing the number of cases. This study aimed to determine the effects of a formal training programme on consanguineous marriages on the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, consanguineous marriage of high school students (n=804) in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Seniors from three randomly selected public high schools participated in the pre-test and post-test design study. To determine the effects of the programme, students who received the training were compared with those who did not receive any formal training about the subject. After the post-tests were administered, data were collected and analysed using chi-squared and McNemar tests. The results showed significant differences in knowledge and attitudes among the students who had received the formal training programme and those who had not. In addition, the results indicated potential peer influence between the students who received training in consanguineous marriage and those who did not.
Angiostomaglandicolasp. n. (Nematoda: Angiostomatidae): a parasite in the land snailMegausteniasp. from the Cat Tien Forest, Vietnam
Authors: Ivanova E.S. , Spiridonov S.E. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe nematodeAngiostoma glandicolasp. n. found parasitizingMegausteniasp. snails (Pulmonata: Helicarionidae) collected in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by its unusual host location (the digestive gland) and in having: two circles of cephalic probolae, six lips each bearing two prominent papillae, amphids situated at posterior of lips, the presence of lateral alae, an enlarged stoma, a club-shaped pharynx with cuticularized valves in the bulb, the nerve ring situated on the junction of the corpus and isthmus and the excretory pore opposite the bulb. Oviparous females have a mid-body vulva position, long reflexed ovaries and short divergent uteri, and a conical tail with a slightly triangular tip. Males have long, curved, not distinctly cephalate spicules and a small gubernaculum, nine pairs of pedunculate genital papillae (GP) incorporated into the bursa (three precloacal, six postcloacal in two groups: GP 4–7 closely behind the cloaca and GP 8–9 distanced), of which GP 5 and 8 terminate on dorsal edge of the bursa and GP 8 and 9 are fused at the base, the bursa nearly reaches the tail tip, unpaired precloacal GP and a pair of ventral circumcloacal GP not incorporated into bursa. It clearly differs from other species of the genus by having cephalic probolae vs. no cephalic probolae and the specific number and disposition of male GP. A partial sequence of D2D3 large subunit (LSU) rDNA was obtained and subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Relationships within theAngiostomagenus are discussed.
Vestibular schwannoma: when to look for it?
Authors: Gimsing S 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectives:(1) To compare audiometric parameters in patients with vestibular schwannoma and in those with asymmetric hearing loss from other causes; and (2) to assess proposed screening criteria by comparing published protocols.Methods:Audiometric data from 199 vestibular schwannoma patients and 225 non-tumour patients were compared. Eight screening protocols were tested on these 424 patients.Results:Vestibular schwannoma and non-tumour patients with little or no hearing loss in the unaffected ear were inseparable; however, vestibular schwannoma patients with hearing loss in the unaffected ear had greater audiometric asymmetry, compared with non-tumour patients with the same pattern of hearing loss. The sensitivity of screening protocols varied from 73 to 100 per cent; parallelism was observed between sensitivity and screening rate.Conclusion:As regards vestibular schwannoma screening protocols, the best compromise between sensitivity and screening rate was offered by a criterion comprising either: (1) ≥20 dB asymmetry at two neighbouring frequencies, or unilateral tinnitus, or (2) ≥15 dB asymmetry at two frequencies between 2 and 8 kHz.
New treatment strategy and assessment questionnaire for external auditory canal pruritis: topical pimecrolimus therapy and Modified Itch Severity Scale
Authors: Acar B , Karabulut H , Sahin Y , Babademez M A , Karadag A S , Karasen R M 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective:We aimed to compare the efficacy of topical pimecrolimus versus hydrocortisone in treating external auditory canal pruritis, using the Modified Itch Severity Scale as an assessment tool.Methods:We included in the study 40 patients with isolated itching of the external auditory canal who had not received any benefit from previous topical and systemic treatments. Topical 1 per cent pimecrolimus or topical hydrocortisone was applied to each patient's external auditory canal for three months. A Modified Itch Severity Scale was developed and used to assess treatment response.Results:Compared with itching scores on initial assessment, the scores of patients receiving topical pimecrolimus had decreased by 52.3 per cent by the third week of treatment and by 77.6 per cent by the third month, whereas the scores of patients receiving topical hydrocortisone had decreased by 34.4 per cent by the third week and by 64.2 per cent by the third month.Conclusions:Topical pimecrolimus appears to be as effective as topical hydrocortisone in relieving external auditory canal pruritis. We used a novel scoring system, the Modified Itch Severity Scale, to evaluate external auditory canal pruritus; this is the first self-reporting questionnaire for the quantification of external auditory canal pruritus severity. Further studies are needed to validate this scoring system.
Salivary gland tumours as second neoplasms: two cases and literature review
Authors: Zidar N , Gale N , Župevc A , Žargi M 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectives:Patients who survive malignant tumours have an increased risk of second neoplasms, including those of the salivary glands. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland is by far the most common type of second salivary gland tumour; other types have rarely been reported. We describe here two patients with a second tumour of the salivary glands.Case reports:The first patient was a 22-year-old woman with a low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland, which developed 21 years after completion of chemoradiotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The second patient was a 40-year-old woman with an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the buccal mucosa, which arose 11 years after treatment for two malignant neoplasms – retroperitoneal liposarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.Conclusions:It is mandatory that survivors of cancer should be monitored carefully, so that the complications related to their previous disease and therapy are detected early and managed properly.
Value and utility of 532 nanometre pulsed potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser in endoscopic laryngeal surgery
Authors: Burns J A , Friedman A D , Lutch M J , Hillman R E , Zeitels S M 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectives:Recently, the 532 nm pulsed potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser has emerged as an effective angiolytic laser for treating mucosal lesions of the larynx in the operating theatre and clinic. We sought to assess the current impact of potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser on our laryngeal surgery practice.Study design:Retrospective review of 710 patients undergoing endoscopic laryngeal surgery over a one-year period.Methods:Medical records of the endoscopic laryngeal procedures were reviewed; 386/710 had been performed in the clinic and 324/710 in the operating theatre under general anaesthesia. Indications for the procedures were classified by pathology.Results:Pulsed potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser was used in 209/386 clinic procedures. The indications for these procedures were: dysplasia (114/209 procedures), papillomatosis (89/209), varices or ectasia (three of 209), and ‘other’ (three of 209). Pulsed potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser was used in 178/324 operating theatre endoscopic laryngeal procedures. The indications for these procedures were: cancer (54/178 procedures), dysplasia (52/178), papillomatosis (38/178), varices or ectasia (13/178), polyps (six of 178), nodules (six of 178), stenosis (five of 178), granulation (three of 178), and amyloid (one of 178).Conclusions:Due to its versatility, the 532 nm pulsed potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser is our most commonly utilised instrument for performing endoscopic laryngeal surgery.
The elevation gradient of lichen species richness in Nepal
Authors: BANIYA Chitra Bahadur , SOLHØY Torstein , GAUSLAA Yngvar , PALMER Michael W. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis study of elevation gradients of lichen species richness in Nepal aimed to compare distribution patterns of different life-forms, substratum affinities, photobiont types, and Nepalese endemism. Distribution patterns of lichens were compared with elevational patterns shown by a wide range of taxonomic groups of plants along the Nepalese Himalayan elevational gradient between 200–7400m. We used published data on the elevation records of 525 Nepalese lichen species to interpolate presence between the maximum and minimum recorded elevations, thereby giving estimates of lichen species richness at each 100-m elevational band. The observed patterns were compared with previously published patterns for other taxonomic groups. The total number of lichens as well as the number of endemic species (55 spp.) showed humped relationships with elevation. Their highest richness was observed between 3100–3400 and 4000–4100m, respectively. Almost 33% of the total lichens and 53% of the endemic species occurred above the treeline (>4300m). Non-endemic richness had the same response as the total richness. All growth forms showed a unimodal relationship of richness with elevation, with crustose lichens having a peak at higher elevations (4100–4200m) than fruticose and foliose lichens. Algal and cyanobacterial lichen richness, as well as corticolous lichen richness, all exhibited unimodal patterns, whereas saxicolous and terricolous lichen richness exhibited slightly bimodal relationships with elevation. The highest lichen richness at mid altitudes concurred with the highest diversity of ecological niches in terms of spatial heterogeneity in rainfall, temperature, cloud formation, as well as high phorophyte abundance and diversity implying large variation in bark roughness, moisture retention capacity, and pH. The slightly bimodal distributions of saxicolous and terricolous lichens were depressed at the elevational maximum of corticolous lichens.
Degelia cyanoloma (Schaer.) H. H. Blom & L. Lindblom comb. et stat. nov., a distinct species from western Europe
Authors: BLOM Hans H. , LINDBLOM Louise 
Published: November 2009

AbstractDegelia cyanoloma (Schaer.) H. H. Blom & L. Lindblom is resurrected from synonymy and elevated from varietal rank to species. The taxon was earlier referred to D. plumbea (Lightf.) P. M. Jørg. & P. James, however, several discontinuous character states distinguish the two species. Degelia cyanoloma is characterized morphologically by having a large thallus that is pale greyish when dry, lobes that are composed of consecutive trough-shaped segments with an upper surface without squamules, no isidia or soredia, and apothecia discs that are dark reddish brown to blackish. Degelia cyanoloma has a euoceanic distribution and is known from western Europe (Norway, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain). Based on results from studies of morphology, we hypothesize that D. atlantica (Degel.) P. M. Jørg. & P. James is the closest relative of D. cyanoloma among the European species of the genus whereas D. plumbea is closely related to D. ligulata P. M. Jørg. & P. James.
A phylogenetic study of theMicarea prasinagroup shows thatMicarea micrococcaincludes three distinct lineages
Authors: CZARNOTA Paweł , GUZOW-KRZEMIŃSKA Beata 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe phylogeny of theMicarea prasinagroup was investigated using mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences from 14 taxa representing this group, four other members of the genusMicarea, andPsilolechia lucidaas an outgroup. A total of 31 new mtSSU rDNA sequences were generated, including 10 from theM. micrococcacomplex. Bayesian, maximum parsimony (MP) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods were used to analyse the data. The results show thatM. micrococcais not monophyletic and forms three strongly supported lineages: 1)M. micrococcas. str., 2)M. byssacea(Th. Fr.) Czarnota, Guzow-Krzemińska & Coppins comb. nov., and 3) a putative taxon that requires further studies.Micarea viridileprosais a sister species toM. micrococcas. str. and the recently describedM. nowakiiis a sister species toM. prasinas. str. The placement ofM. tomentosawithin theM. prasinagroup is confirmed.Micarea hedlundiiappears to be more closely related to theM. micrococcacomplex thanM. prasinas. str. Descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic remarks, distribution and habitat data forM. micrococcas. str. andM. byssaceaare provided. A lectotype forBiatora byssaceaHampe non Zwackh and a neotype forCatillaria prasinaβ [var.]byssaceaare selected.
How to minimize the sampling effort for obtaining reliable estimates of diel and annual CO2budgets in lichens
Authors: BADER Maaike Y. , ZOTZ Gerhard , LANGE Otto L. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractEstimating carbon budgets for poikilohydric organisms, such as lichens and bryophytes, requires methods other than those for homoiohydric plants due to a strong dependency of carbon gain on fluctuating hydration. This paper provides guidance with respect to optimal sampling strategies for estimating annual carbon budgets of lichens and bryophytes, based on a one-year dataset of half-hourly CO2-exchange readings on the epilithic placodioid lichenLecanora muralis(syn.Protoparmeliopsis muralis) and tests the effects of reduced sampling frequencies and different temporal sampling schemes on carbon budget estimates. Both fine-scale sampling (measurements within a day) and large-scale sampling (selection of days within a year) are addressed.Lowering the sampling frequency within a day caused large deviations for 24-h (diel) budget estimates. Averaged over a larger number of days, these errors did not necessarily cause a large deviation in the annual budget estimate. However, the occurrence of extreme deviations in diel budgets could strongly offset the annual budget estimate. To avoid this problem, frequent sampling (c. every 1·5 hours) is necessary for estimating annual budgets. For estimating diel budgets and patterns a more frequent sampling (everyc. 0·5 hours, balancing data resolution and disturbance) is often needed.Sampling fewer than 365 days in a given year inevitably caused estimates to deviate from the ‘true’ carbon budget, i.e. the annual budget based on half-hourly measurements during 365 days. Accuracy increased with total sample frequency, and blocking days caused larger deviations than sampling randomly or regularly spaced single days. Restricting sampling to only one season led to strongly biased estimates. The sampling effort required for a reliable estimate of the annual carbon balance of lichens based on simple extrapolations of diel carbon budgets is impracticably large. For example, a relatively large sample of 52 random days yielded an estimate within 25% of the true annual budget with only 60% certainty. Supporting approaches are therefore suggested, in particular extrapolating diel budgets using ‘weather response types’, possibly aided by diel activity patterns from chlorophyll fluorescence, or modelling CO2exchange as a function of climatic conditions.
Four new species ofGraphis(Ostropales: Graphidaceae) from Brazil
Authors: DAL-FORNO Manuela , ELIASARO Sionara 
Published: November 2009

AbstractFour species of the genusGraphisAdans. are described as new to science, namelyG. archeri,G. invisibilis,G. lueckingiiandG. paranaensis. These new species were found growing in restinga forest in southern Brazil.
New species ofPertusaria(lichenized Ascomycota:Pertusariaceae) from the Canary Islands
Authors: PÉREZ-VARGAS Israel , HERNANDEZ-PADRÓN Consuelo , ETAYO Javier , PÉREZ de PAZ Pedro L. , ELIX John A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractPertusaria aceroaeandPertusaria calderaefrom the Canary Islands are described as new to science. A description of each species is given together with notes on their chemistry, distribution, ecology and taxonomy. Related lichen taxa are discussed.
Common mental disorders in late pregnancy in women who wanted or attempted an abortion
Authors: Ludermir A. B. , de Araújo T. V. Barreto , Valongueiro S. A. , Lewis G. 
Published: November 2009

BackgroundIn countries where legal abortion is restricted, many unwanted pregnancies are carried to term. Attempting an unsuccessful abortion may influence women's mental health. This study investigated the common mental disorders (CMDs) of depression and anxiety in the third trimester of pregnancy in women who wanted or had attempted an abortion in a poor region of Brazil.MethodCMDs were assessed by using the 20-item Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) in all pregnant women aged 18–49 years who were registered with publicly funded primary health care in Recife, Northeast Brazil.ResultsThe study achieved a high response rate and 1121 (98.9%) women completed the interview. The prevalence of CMDs for the sample was 43.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 40.2–46.1], and 63.6% (95% CI 55.4–71.2) among the 13.7% of women who attempted an abortion. The association between CMDs and attempted an abortion [odds ratio (OR) 2.05, 95% CI 1.3–3.1] remained after adjustment for confounders.ConclusionsThis study found that attempting an abortion in the current pregnancy was associated with CMDs. Good access to family planning programs, including access to contraceptive methods and safe abortion, should help to improve the mental health of women.
Early and late life events and salivary cortisol in older persons
Authors: Gerritsen L. , Geerlings M. I. , Beekman A. T. F. , Deeg D. J. H. , Penninx B. W. J. H. , Comijs H. C. 
Published: November 2009

BackgroundIt has been hypothesized that stressful life events are associated with changes in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis regulation, which increases susceptibility to psychiatric disorders. We investigated the association of early and late life events with HPA axis regulation in older persons.MethodWithin the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) 1055 participants (47% male), aged 63–93 years, collected saliva within 30 min after waking and late in the evening. Early and late life events were assessed during a home interview. The associations between life events and cortisol levels were examined using linear regression and analysis of covariance with adjustments for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors and depressive symptoms.ResultsWithin our sample, the median morning and evening cortisol levels were 15.0 nmol/l [interdecile range (10–90%): 7.4–27.0 nmol/l] and 2.8 nmol/l (10–90%: 1.5–6.3 nmol/l), respectively. Persons who reported early life events showed lower levels of natural log-transformed morning cortisol [B=−0.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.17 to −0.04] and flattened diurnal variability of cortisol (B=−1.06, 95% CI −2.05 to −0.08). Those reporting two or more late life events showed higher levels of natural log-transformed morning cortisol (B=0.10, 95% CI 0.02–0.18) and higher diurnal variability (B=1.19, 95% CI 0.05–2.33). No associations were found with evening cortisol.ConclusionsThe results of this large population-based study of older persons suggest a differential association of early and late life events with HPA axis regulation; early life events were associated with a relative hypo-secretion of morning cortisol and flattened diurnal variability, while late life events were associated with elevated secretion of morning cortisol and high diurnal variability of cortisol.