bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Destruction without extinction: long‐term impacts of an invasive tree species on Galápagos highland vegetation
Authors: Jäger Heinke , Kowarik Ingo , Tye Alan 
Published: September 2009

Summary 1. A common belief in invasion ecology is that invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity, but there is little evidence yet that competition from an exotic plant species has led to the extinction of any native plant species at the landscape scale. However, effects of invasive species at community and ecosystem levels can severely compromise conservation goals. 2. Our model species, the red quinine tree (Cinchona pubescens), was introduced to the Galápagos Islands in the 1940s and today extends over at least 11 000 ha in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. It is also invasive on other oceanic islands. 3. We adopted a long‐term approach, analysing permanent plots in the Fern‐Sedge vegetation zone over 7 years, to test for impacts of C. pubescens density on resident plant species composition and on microclimate variables. We also tested whether the C. pubescens invasion facilitated the invasion of other species. 4. The rapid pace of the C. pubescens invasion was indicated by a more than doubling of percentage cover, a 4.6‐fold increase in mean stand basal area and a 4‐fold increase in the number of stems ha−1 in 7 years. 5. Photosynthetically active radiation was reduced by 87% under the C. pubescens canopy while precipitation increased because of enhanced fog interception. 6. Cinchona pubescens significantly decreased species diversity and the cover of most species by at least 50%. Endemic herbaceous species were more adversely affected than non‐endemic native species. Stachys agraria, another invasive species, colonized bare ground that developed under the C. pubescens canopy. 7. The numbers of native, endemic and introduced species in the study area remained constant throughout the 7‐year period. 8. Synthesis. This study clearly established C. pubescens as a habitat transformer, although its average cover did not exceed 20%. Despite the fact that no plant species has been lost completely from the study area so far, the introduction of the novel tree life form to a formerly treeless environment led to significant changes in stand structure and environmental conditions and to decreases in species diversity and cover. Such changes clearly conflict with conservation goals as set by the Convention on Biological Diversity.
A unified measure of the number, volume and diversity of dead trees and the response of fungal communities
Authors: Hottola Jenni , Ovaskainen Otso , Hanski Ilkka 
Published: September 2009

Summary 1.  Much of ecological research focuses on the responses of species and species communities to variation in the amount and quality of resources that are required for survival and reproduction. In such research, it is critical to measure the availability of resources in a manner that is relevant in relation to the ecological requirements of the species. 2.  We have developed a measure for resource availability that integrates the contributions of the number, volume and diversity of resource units to quantify the amount of habitat that is available for a species community. We apply this measure to data on the occurrence of 116 species of wood‐decaying polyporous fungi in 47 study plots of boreal forest within an area of 150 × 150 km. 3.  We show that species richness and pooled abundance of common species is explained well by the number of downed logs, whereas the occurrence of 41 red‐listed species is best explained by the total volume of logs and by the abundance of large logs in particular. The occurrence of common species is explained by the local availability of dead wood, whereas the occurrence of red‐listed species is additionally affected by the spatial connectivity of the focal forest stand to the surrounding larger expanses of old‐growth forest. 4.  Our results elicit the contrasting ecologies of common and red‐listed species in relation to how the number of logs, their size distribution and diversity, and forest connectivity affect species occurrences. The results suggest that the most cost‐effective means of preventing further declines of threatened species is to increase the amount of large downed logs through restoration and biodiversity‐oriented management in the vicinity of existing areas of natural‐like forests. 5.
Synthesis. Our results illustrate that the most relevant way of measuring resource availability can differ greatly even within a taxonomically coherent community seemingly sharing the same resources. Our approach for modelling resource availability applies to the resources that occur as discrete objects with variation in the size and quality of individual resource units.
Genomic full length sequence of HLA‐Cw*030301, identified by cloning and sequencing
Authors: Xu Y. , Deng Z. , Zeng J. , Gao S. , Yang B. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractGenomic full length sequence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐Cw*030301 that differs from Cw*030401 by two‐nucleotide exchange at nt 473 (G>A) in exon 2 and nt 3033 (G>C) in 3′UTR, was identified by cloning and sequencing from a male Chinese donor.
Evidence for autotetraploidy associated with reproductive isolation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: towards a new domesticated species
Authors: ALBERTIN W. , MARULLO P. , AIGLE M. , BOURGAIS A. , BELY M. , DILLMANN C. , DE VIENNE D. , SICARD D. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPartial or whole‐genome duplications have played a major role in the evolution of new species. We have investigated the variation of ploidy level in a panel of domesticated strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae coming from different geographical origins. Segregation studies and crosses with tester strains of different ploidy levels showed that part of the strains were well‐balanced autotetraploids displaying tetrasomic inheritance. The presence of up to four different alleles for various loci is consistent with a polyploidization mechanism relying on the fusion of two nonreduced meiospores coming from two S. cerevisiae strains. Autotetraploidy was also in accordance with karyotype and flow cytometry analyses. Interestingly, most bakery strains were tetraploids, suggesting a link between ploidy level and human use. The null or drastically reduced fertility of the hybrids between tetraploid and diploid strains indicated that domesticated S. cerevisiae strains are composed of two groups isolated by post‐zygotic reproductive barriers.
Characteristics of the Cryphonectria parasitica isolated from Quercus in Slovakia
Authors: Adamčíková K. , Kobza M. , Juhásová G. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe occurrence of chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) on oaks in mixed chestnut‐oak forests was studied in 2003–2008 in Slovakia. Infections on living Quercus trees were found at four of seven localities. The disease incidence on oaks ranged from 1.3% to 15.8%. The symptoms on infected oaks were similar to those on chestnut, but less conspicuous. Cankers of C. parasitica were found only on Quercus robur and Q. petraea. A total of 22 isolates of C. parasitica, all virulent, were isolated. Each site yielded only a single vc type (EU12 or EU13). Field inoculation experiments on chestnuts with seven strains of C. parasitica from oaks and an isolate from Castanea sativa showed no differences in virulence. On Quercus robur stems, the cankered area was significantly smaller than on C. sativa and the cankers developed very slowly.
AN AUDIT OF THE PRACTICE OF ROUTINE CT IMAGING FOR RIGHT ILIAC FOSSA PAIN
Authors: Lee S.C. , Li A.C.N. , Leong H.T. 
Published: September 2009

Aim: To review the practice and implications of performing computed tomography (CT) for patients with right iliac fossa (RIF) pain.Methods: Patients admitted for RIF pain between July 1998 to April 2000 were classified clinically as having appendicitis, equivocal appendicitis or other conditions. They would all undergo CT abdomen and then managed accordingly. The accuracy of clinical and CT diagnosis were compared, with histology of the resected appendix as gold standard.Results: There were 348 patients with RIF pain and 201 of them underwent CT abdomen. Appendicitis was diagnosed clinically in 45 patients, the remaining patients were either equivocal or suspicious of other conditions. From CT abdomen 82 were diagnosed to be appendicitis and 119 were found to be normal or having other pathology. For those with radiological appendicitis, 74 were proven on histology (sensitivity = 85%, positive predictive value (PPV) = 90% (74/82)). Within the clinical appendicitis group, 37 were confirmed by histology (PPV of clinical diagnosis = 82% (37/45)). Among the equivocal group, 50 patients turned out to be appendicitis.Conclusion: Although CT is useful in diagnosing appendicitis, we do not recommend routine CT abdomen for patients with RIF pain as no significant additional benefit is seen in the group of patients with clinical appendicitis. However, there may be a role for it in patients with equivocal clinical features but a randomized clinical trial is needed for further evaluation.
DAY CASE HAEMORRHOIDECTOMY USING THE HAEMORRHOID STAPLER — A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Li A.C.N. , Leong H.T. 
Published: September 2009

Aim: To evaluate prospectively use of the haemorrhoid circular stapler (HCS) in day case haemorrhoidectomy.Methods: Patients with prolapsing piles needing haemorrhoidectomy who met the criteria for day surgery were recruited. In addition to the standard practice, a comprehensive explanation regarding the procedure was given at the preoperative assessment clinic. All patients received lactulose 2 consecutive days before surgery and a prophylactic dose of intravenous metronidazole on induction of anaesthesia. Haemorrhoidectomy was performed with the circular stapler (HCS33‐Ethicon Endosurgery) employing the Longo technique. A diclofenac suppository and absorbable anal dressing were administered at the end of the procedure. Postoperative pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale prior to discharge on the same day. Patients were discharged with a bulking agent plus lactulose, oral diclofenac, TNG ointment and a telephone number to call for queries. Patients were seen at 1, 4 and 12 weeks after surgery during which time they would report on symptoms, duration of rest and overall satisfaction.Results: 20 patients underwent the procedure. Only 1 patient required hospital admission, due to side effects of general anaesthesia. The mean pain score on discharge was 3.8 (range: 0–8). All patients were able to take up normal activities within the first week and passed regular motions with relatively mild symptoms.Conclusion: Day case haemorrhoidectomy is not only feasible using the HCS, good patient satisfaction can also be achieved.
MANAGEMENT OF VESICO‐VAGINAL FISTULAE: LOCAL EXPERIENCE IN TUEN MUN HOSPITAL
Authors: Mah I.S.F. , Yung Y.P. , Chan W.H. , Au W.H. , Man C.W. 
Published: September 2009

Aim: latrogenic injury at the time of gynaecological surgery, in particular hysterectomy, is the commonest cause of vesico‐vaginal fistulae (VVF) in the developed world. This is a retrospective review to study the aetiology, treatment options and outcome of surgery in patients suffering from VVF in our hospital.Patients and Methods: The records of patients diagnosed to have VVF during the period July 1997 to December 2000 were reviewed. During that period 10 patients were diagnosed to be suffering from VVF. Their age ranged from 38 to 73 years old. The follow up period ranged from 5 to 42 months.Results: Hysterectomy was the commonest cause of VVF in our patients (6 cases). Two cases were due to pelvic irradiation for carcinoma of cervix. One was due to recurrent carcinoma of cervix whereas the other one was due to bladder stone which had eroded into the vagina. One fistula healed by conservative treatment whereas 9 required surgical intervention: transabdominal repair using omental interposition in 6 and ileal conduit in 2 patients. One patient refused surgical treatment and defaulted follow‐up afterwards. During follow‐up, one patient died from recurrent carcinoma of cervix whereas the rest of the patients were well and dry.Conclusions: Gynaecological surgery is the commonest cause of VVF in our locality. However, most of these fistulae are amendable to surgical repair. With the use of omental interposition graft, successful repair can be achieved in most patients.
MANDIBULAR RECONSTRUCTION USING FREE FIBULAR OSTEO‐MYO‐CUTANEOUS FLAP — CRAFTSMANSHIP & COMPLICATIONS
Authors: Cheung W.Y. , Cheng M.S. , Wong W.M. , Ho C.M. , Yip A.W.C. 
Published: September 2009

A consecutive series of 26 free fibular flaps in 25 patients performed by the Division of Plastic Surgery in Kwong Wah Hospital between 1995–2000 was presented. There were 15 male and 10 female patients. Age ranged from 11 to 84 years old (median 56). Pathology involving the mandible included 18 squamous cell carcinoma, five radiation‐induced sarcoma, one radionecrosis and one ameloblastoma. After surgical ablation, all these oromandibular defects were reconstructed using free fibular flaps with closing wedge osteotomies and double‐miniplates fixation. Concerning the fibular flaps, there were one straight osteal flap, 12 osteo‐cutaneous flaps, and 13 composite osteo‐myo‐cutaneous flaps. Among the composite osteo‐myo‐cutaneous flaps, there were eight stacked bone flaps, three double skin islands composite flaps and two double muscles composite flaps. Hospital mortality of these advanced cancer patients was 7.7%. Success rate of free fibular graft was 96.2%. There was one total loss (3.8%), two flaps skin necrosis (7.7%) and three re‐operations for major complications (11.5%). Minor complications that included wound infection and self‐limited salivary fistula was 23%.The additional craftsmanship for the complex oromandibular reconstruction required careful three‐dimensional planning and meticulous protection of individual components of the osteomyo‐cutaneous flaps so as to restore the lower face with form and function.
A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY TO COMPARE THE ANTI‐XA ACTIVITY AND BLEEDING COMPLICATIONS OF STANDARD AND REDUCED DOSAGE OF FRAXIPARINE FOR THE PROPHYLAXIS OF POSTOPERATIVE DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS IN RECTAL CANCER SURGERY
Authors: Ng S.S.M. , Lee J.F.Y. , Lai P.B.S. , Lau W.Y. 
Published: September 2009

Background & Objective: Patients undergoing elective rectal cancer surgery are usually given Fraxiparine based on recommended dosages from Caucasians’ studies (0.2 ml if body weight <50 kg and 0.3 ml if body weight >50 kg) as prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In our Chinese population, however, a number of cases of severe bleeding complications were observed with this standard dosage regimen. A prospective randomized study was therefore conducted to compare the anti‐Xa activity and bleeding complications of this standard regimen and a reduced dosage regimen (0.1 ml if body weight < 50 kg and 0.2 ml if body weight > 50 kg).Methods: 29 patients with rectal cancer (standard : reduced = 14 : 15) were included in this study. Fraxiparine was given 4 hours prior to surgery and blood was taken just before surgery for measurement of anti‐Xa activity. Postoperatively the patients were examined clinically for DVT. Perioperative blood loss, transfusion requirements and postoperative bleeding complications were also recorded and analyzed prospectively.Results: The mean anti‐Xa activity was significantly higher in the standard dosage group (0.302 u/ml vs 0.219 u/ml, P = 0.029). There was no clinically overt DVT in the two groups. Total perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements were not different in both groups. However, one patient in the standard dosage group has developed major intraoperative bleeding that necessitated packing and relaparotomy for haemostatsis. This patient finally died of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Gross haematuria was also observed in two patients in the standard dosage group. None of the patients in the reduced dosage group had developed any major or minor bleeding complications postoperatively.Conclusion: Fraxiparine as DVT prophylaxis in the Chinese population should be administered at a reduced dosage because it is shown in this study to be as effective as the standard dosage regimen in preventing DVT and yet it is associated with fewer bleeding complications.
RANDOMIZED TRIAL ON IMPROVING INTER‐HOSPITAL NEUROSURGICAL CONSULTATION BY TELE‐RADIOLOGY
Authors: Wong H.T. , Poon W.S. , Leung C. , Lam J.M.K. , Kwok S. , Lau Fl , Wai S. , Ng S. 
Published: September 2009

Neurosurgical service requires team work and highly specialized resources. Acute neurosurgical emergencies are traditionally referred from district general hospital (DGH) to the Neurosurgical Unit (NSU) by telephone consultation. Initial experience had proved that tele‐radiology could improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce unnecessary transfer but clinical outcome improvement was not demonstrated.(1)We compare the traditional telephone consultation with tele‐radiology. Patients with acute neurosurgical conditions in a DGH need consultation to NSU were included. These patients were divided into Head Injury, Stroke and Miscellaneous groups. They were further randomized to telephone or tele‐radiology consultation mode in different groups. There were totally 375 patients recruited and randomized from the period between 1 October 1998 to 30 June 2000. The time requested for referral to decision made were 35 minutes and 60 minutes respectively, but similar in head injury subgroup. The total numbers of patient needed transfer to PWH were fewer in tele‐radiology group (telephone: 80 vs. tele‐radiology: 61). The diagnostic accuracy was also higher in tele‐radiology group due to the visual aids from the transferred image. The overall outcome assessed on 6 months and showed that patients in tele‐radiology group have better outcome score.In summary, this is a first randomized control study to confirm clinical benefits of tele‐radiology on managing inter‐hospital neurosurgical patients.(1) Does Teleradiology Improve Inter‐hospital Management of Head‐Injury. KYC Goh, KY Tsang and WS Poon, Can J Neurol Sci 1997; 24: 235–239.
MICROVASCULAR FREE FLAPS IN HEAD AND NECK RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Wong A.W.M. , Ho C.M. , Cheung W.Y. , Cheng M.S. , Yip A.W.C. 
Published: September 2009

Reconstructive procedures of the head and neck aim to repair soft tissue and bony defects while restoring optimal function and cosmesis. The development of microvascular surgery has offered the possibility of free tissue transfer from distant sites to head and neck area. This allows reconstruction of composite defect in one stage. We would like to review a group of patients with various head and neck defects which were reconstructed with microvascular free flap.Between January 1995 and December 2000, seventy nine patients underwent 82 microvascular free flap reconstruction following major head and neck resection. There were 26 fibular, 25 radial forearm, 20 jejunal, 4 lateral arm, 4 rectus abdominus, 2 latissimus dorsi and 1 groin flaps. The majority (95%) of patients had advanced head and neck cancer. The common tumor sites were oral cavity (55%), hypopharynx (23%) and mandible (9%). Three patients (4%) died perioperatively. There were five total flap failure (6%). The overall major morbidity was 17%, including anastomotic leakage, orocutaneous fistula and major wound infection. The general medical complications rate was 17%. Donor site morbidity rate was 11% and the majority were in form of superficial wound infection.Given the good results observed and versatility of free flaps, we concluded that microvascular grafts should be considered in reconstructing head and neck defects following major ablative surgery.
RESULTS OF VIDEO ASSISTED THORACOSCOPIC PLEURODESIS IN MANAGEMENT OF PNEUMOTHORACES
Authors: Lo C.K. , Chu S.H. , Chung S.S. , Ma C.C. , Ko K.M. , Ho K.K. 
Published: September 2009

The objective of the study is to find out the efficiency of video assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) pleurodesis and predisposing factors of postoperative complications.This is a retrospective study that those who had VATS pleurodesis from January 1994 to December 2000 were recruited. There were consecutive 306 VATS pleurodesis performed on 271 patients. These included 33 female and 238 male patients from 15 to 73 years old. 31 of them had bilateral procedures. 244 of them had primary spontaneous pneumothoraces and 27 of them had secondary pneumothoraces. Most of them had two or more episodes of pneumothoraces and persistent air leakage >14 days before operations. 15 patients had failed surgical or chemical pleurodesis before VATS.There was no operative death. Usually they were discharged within five days after operations. There were 21 persistent air leakage >5 days (6.8%), 1 bleeding required surgical haemostasis (0.3%) and 4 infectious complications (1.3%). Follow up duration was up to 72 months. There was 12 recurrence (3.9%) after discharge.Absence of blebs, presence of pleural adhesion, prolonged chest tube placement before VATS pleurodesis, and failed surgical or chemical pleurodesis before are the predisposing factors of complications.
CIRCUMCISION OR NO CIRCUMCISION: AN OLD CONTROVERSY INTO THE NEW MILLENNIUM
Authors: Fan N. , Leung S.K. , Wong C.K. , Tse S. , Sze Y.S. , Lui K.W. , Ng T.K. , Yuen K.S. , Kong C.K. , Ng W.T. 
Published: September 2009

Controversies still exist as to the exact definition of phimosis, true indications for circumcision, and results of different treatment options. A prospective study in the two years straddling the Millennium was done to definite the exact role of circumcision in the management of the preputial problems amid continuing controversies and in the wake of a new medical treatment, i.e. steroid application emerging since 1993.244 referrals resulted in 195 circumcisions in 1999. Detailed analysis revealed that the indication was doubtful and arguable in 13.5% and 16%, respectively. The overall complication rate (bleeding, infection and rephimosis) occurred in 12%. Starting from 2000, application of 0.02% Trimcinolone cream was instituted: successful retraction in 74 was achieved in 81/95 patients. No side effects were noted. The positive predicting factors were identified.Circumcision has been advocated as a routine to decrease the incidence of UTI, STD or Cancer. However, circumcision is fraught with early and late problems. There have only been 9 reported on the use of steroid application, all using potent preparations. We pioneered the use of a much weaker steroid that was documented to have comparable efficacy. Our proposed algorithm for offers great advantages, including tremendous savings to the hospital, and lifetime benefits to the patients!