bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency and clinical features of intraocular inflammation in Tokyo
Authors: Keino Hiroshi , Nakashima Chikae , Watanabe Takayo , Taki Wakako , Hayakawa Ruriko , Sugitani Atsuhiko , Okada Annabelle A 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground:  To investigate frequencies and clinical features of intraocular inflammation (uveitis) in Tokyo, Japan.Methods:  Records of 834 consecutive new referral patients (352 men, 482 women) examined at the Kyorin University Hospital from April 2000 to December 2007 were retrospectively reviewed.Results:  Mean age at onset was 44.8 years for men and 47.0 years for women. By anatomical classification, 229 patients (27.4%) had anterior uveitis, 10 (1.2%) had intermediate uveitis, 183 (21.9%) had posterior uveitis and 412 (49.4%) had panuveitis. The most common diagnoses were Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada (VKH) disease (11.0%), sarcoidosis (6.9%), acute anterior uveitis (6.5%), Behçet's disease (5.8%) and tuberculosis (4.3%). In the third and fourth decades, the most common diseases were Behçet's disease for men and VKH for women, whereas over 60 years of age, the most common diseases were VKH for men and sarcoidosis for women. Systemic corticosteroids were used in 25.5% of patients, and other immunomodulatory agents were required in 8.7% of patients.Conclusions:  The most frequent diagnoses were sarcoidosis, VKH disease, acute anterior uveitis, Behçet's disease and tuberculosis, with Behçet's disease being common in young men and sarcoidosis being common in elderly women. One‐fourth of patients received systemic corticosteroids and 8.7% of patients required other immunomodulatory agents.
Geographic variations of seasonality and coexistence in communities: The role of diversity and climate
Authors: CANAVERO ANDRÉS , ARIM MATÍAS , BRAZEIRO ALEJANDRO 
Published: June 2009

AbstractOne of the most conspicuous and widely analyzed patterns in ecology is the latitudinal gradient in species richness. Over the 200 years since its recognition, several hypotheses have accumulated in order to account for spatial variations in diversity. Geographic variations in seasonality have been repeatedly proposed as a determinant of community richness. However, the geographic structure of community seasonality has not yet been analyzed. In the present work we evaluated three hypotheses that account for variations in the temporal structuring of communities: first, environmental seasonality determines community seasonality; second, community richness determines its degree of structuring; and third, the presence of an increase in species segregation with latitude, reflected in a pattern of species negative co‐occurrence. The hypotheses were evaluated using path analysis on 29 amphibian communities from South America, connecting latitude, environmental conditions, diversity, seasonality, and coexistence structure – nestedness and negative co‐occurrence – within communities. Latitude positively affects community seasonality through an increase in temperature seasonality, but a weak negative direct effect suggests that other variables not considered in the model – such as the strength of biotic interactions – could also be involved. Both latitude and diversity (directly and indirectly) determine an increase in negative co‐occurrence and nestedness. This suggests that groups of species that are mutually nested in time are internally segregated. Further, the strength of this structure is determined by community diversity and latitude. Temporal structuring of a community is associated with latitude and diversity, pointing to the existence of a systematic change in community organization far beyond, but probably interrelated, with the recognized latitudinal trend in richness. The available information and analysis supported the three hypotheses evaluated.
Structure and species richness in wetland continua on sandy soils in subtropical and tropical Australia
Authors: SPECHT RAYMOND L. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractNet photosynthetic fixation of wetland plant communities is confined to the period of the year when the surface soil is not waterlogged and is thus well aerated. In the open‐structured vegetation continuum across freshwater wetlands on sandy soils in subtropical and tropical Australia, the sum of the foliage projective covers (FPCs) of the overstorey and understorey strata remains constant, while that of the overstorey decreases to zero as seasonal waterlogging (and anaerobic conditions) in the surface root systems increases. Density and height of the overstorey trees – of only one or two species – and species richness (number of species per hectare) in the understorey decreases along this waterlogging gradient.Melaleucapaperbark trees, possessing surface roots with cortical aerenchyma, may form a closed‐forest at the edge of the wetland continuum wherever there is a continuous flow of aerated water. As global warming progresses, an increase in air temperature in the atmosphere flowing over and through the wetland continuum during the short period of annual foliage‐growth will affect the combined FPCs of overstorey and understorey strata, as well as the leaf‐specific weights of all leaves throughout the plant community. With a reduction in net photosynthetic fixation, species richness of the plant community will slowly decline.
Host infestation patterns of the massive liana Hydrangea serratifolia (Hydrangeaceae) in a Chilean temperate rainforest
Authors: JIMÉNEZ‐CASTILLO MYLTHON , LUSK CHRISTOPHER H. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAs competition from lianas reduces fitness of host trees, lianas could influence community composition and structure if potential host species differ in susceptibility to infestation. We quantified infestation frequencies of Chilean temperate rainforest tree species by the massive liana Hydrangea serratifolia (H. et A.) F. Phil (Hydrangeaceae), which climbs using adhesive adventitious roots, and examined relationships with host light requirements and stem diameter. We recorded presence or absence of H. serratifolia in a random sample of 515 trees ≥10 cm diameter. Fifty‐four per cent of trees were infested by at least one individual of H. serratifolia. Although there was significant interspecific variation in infestation frequency, this variation was not systematically related to light requirements of host tree species. Probability of infestation increased with diameter for most host tree species, and old trees were found to be infested by a wide range of liana size classes, including some stems <2 cm diameter. This evidence supports the proposal that lianas which attach by adhesive roots can colonize host stems of any size.
The potential of seed‐eating birds to spread viable seeds of weeds and other undesirable plants
Authors: TWIGG LAURIE E. , LOWE TIM J. , TAYLOR CATHERINE M. , CALVER MIKE C. , MARTIN GARY R. , STEVENSON CLAIRE , HOW RIC 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe potential for seed‐eating birds to spread viable seeds was investigated using captive‐feeding trials to determine seed preference, passage time through the gut, and viability of passed seeds for bronzewing pigeons (Phaps chalcoptera), peaceful doves (Geopelia striata), crested pigeons (Ocyphaps lophotes), Senegal doves (Streptopelia senegalensis), zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), black ducks (Anas superciliosa) and wood ducks (Chenonetta jubata). Test seeds were bladder clover (Trifolium spumosum), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), gorse (Ulex europaeus), canola (Brassica napus) and red panicum (Setaria italica). Their consumption was compared with that of commercial seed mixes. Although all test seeds were recognizable foods, their consumption usually decreased in the presence of other foods, except for canola, where consumption rates were maintained. Hard‐seeded bladder clover was the only species where viable seeds were passed by obligate seedeaters. In contrast, viable seeds of canola and gorse were passed by seed‐eating omnivorous/herbivorous ducks, although the germination of passed seeds (42%) was reduced significantly compared with that of untreated control seed (67%). Field validation with wild, urban bronzewings and Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) offered canola and commercial seed yielded similar outcomes, with a range of viable seeds recovered from magpie soft pellets. Mean seed passage time in captive birds ranged from 0.5 to 4.3 h for all test seeds and commercial seed mixes, suggesting that these bird species may potentially disperse seed over moderate distances. Despite the low probability of individual birds spreading viable seed, the high number of birds feeding in the wild suggests that the potential for granivorous and seed‐eating omnivorous birds to disperse viable seeds cannot be discounted, particularly if exozoochorous dispersal is also considered.
Seed moisture content affects afterripening and smoke responsiveness in three sympatric Australian native species from fire‐prone environments
Authors: TURNER SHANE R. , MERRITT DAVID J. , RENTON MICHAEL S. , DIXON KINGSLEY W. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractGermination of freshly collected seeds of three sympatric herbaceous species native to fire‐prone environments in south‐western Australia was significantly improved through the application of novel combinations of dry heat, gibberellic acid, smoke water and dry afterripening. For fresh seeds, combinations of dry heat, gibberellic acid and/or smoke water resulted in >80% germination in Austrostipa elegantissima (Poaceae) and Stylidium affine (Stylidaceae) seeds and >60% germination in Conostylis candicans (Haemodoraceae) seeds, compared with <10% germination of control seeds. For fresh seeds, two broad germination patterns were observed in response to smoke water: nil – low germination for both control and smoke water‐treated seeds (A. elegantissima and S. affine); and a significant smoke response (35%) compared with control seeds (1%) (C. candicans). During afterripening, high germination for A. elegantissima seeds was achieved following 3 months storage of seeds at equilibrium relative humidities of 23–75%, but seeds stored at 5–13% equilibrium relative humidities took 6–36 months to achieve similar levels of germination. Germination of C. candicans seeds also increased after 3 months storage, to >60% at each equilibrium relative humidity and further increases over time were slight. For S. affine seeds >60% germination was achieved only after 36 months storage at 50% equilibrium relative humidity. Seeds from all three species were smoke‐responsive at some point, but the interaction/effects of afterripening on the smoke response varied significantly between species. This study highlights an apparent effect of seed dormancy status on response to smoke and a surprisingly high level of ecological variation in pre‐germination requirements (cues) for these co‐occurring species that may relate to variation(s) in microsite selection forces operating on the soil seed bank of the different species.
ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY‐GUIDED PANCREATICOGASTROSTOMY FOR A CASE OF OCCLUSION OF GASTRO‐PANCREATIC ANASTOMOSIS AFTER PANCREATICODUODENECTOMY
Authors: Katanuma Akio , Maguchi Hiroyuki , Fukazawa Mituharu , Kurita Akira , Ichiya Tamaki , Kin Toshifumi , Osanai Manabu , Takahashi Kuniyuki 
Published: June 2009

Background:  EUS‐guided pancreaticogastrostomy is described as an alternative to surgery for ductal decompression when endoscopic transpapillary access is impossible. We report a case where EUS‐guided pancreaticogastrostomy of the pancreatic duct was effective for dilatation of the pancreatic duct caused from occlusion of gastro‐pancreatic anastomosis constructed after resection of pancreaticoduodenectomy.Patients and methods:  The patient was a 79‐year‐old woman who had undergone operation for IPMN in the pancreatic head in 1998. Nine years after the operation, she visited us for back pain, and conspicuous dilatation of the main pancreatic duct was found. By observing curved liner array EUS scope, we successfully punctured the main pancreatic duct and placed a plastic stent.Results:  After the treatment, the subjective symptom was alleviated and reduction of the dilatation of pancreatic duct was observed in image findings.Conclusion:  Endoscopic ultrasonography guided pancreaticogastrostomy appears to be an effective treatment for a case of occlusion of gastro‐pancreatic anastomosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND‐GUIDED CHOLEDOCHODUODENOSTOMY FOR PALLIATIVE BILIARY DRAINAGE IN CASES WITH INOPERABLE PANCREAS HEAD CARCINOMA
Authors: Hanada Keiji , Iiboshi Tomohiro , Ishii Yasutaka 
Published: June 2009

Background:  Endoscopic transpapillary biliary drainage (EBD) or stenting is the gold standard treatment for inoperable malignant biliary obstruction. When the papilla cannot be traversed because of pyloric or duodenal stenosis, or the catheter cannot be introduced, or because of previous surgery, the usual alternative method is considered to be percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). We herein report our experiences with four cases with inoperable pancreatic head carcinoma associated with obstructive jaundice treated by endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided biliary drainage (EUS‐BD).Methods:  Between September 2006 and December 2007, methods of EUS‐BD were performed in four cases with inoperable pancreas head carcinoma. In three out of four cases, EBD and PTBD were unsuccessful because of previous surgery, or duodenal stenosis, or nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts. In one case, although PTBD was successful, internal drainage could not be established.Results:  EUS‐BD was successful for all cases. The obstructed biliary system was successfully decompressed by the creation of a choledochoduodenal fistula and the insertion of a transduodenal biliary plastic stent. No complication was encountered in all cases.Conclusions:  EUS‐BD may have the potential of replacing PTBD in cases with inoperable pancreatic head carcinoma associated with obstructive jaundice.
SECOND LOOK COLONOSCOPY: INDICATION AND REQUIREMENTS
Authors: Rey Jean‐Francois , Lambert Rene 
Published: June 2009

Background:  There are circumstances when a colonoscopy should be repeated after a short interval following the first endoscopic procedure which has not completely fulfilled its objective.Review of the literature:  A second look colonoscopy is proposed when there remains a doubt about missed neoplastic lesions, either because the intestinal preparation was poor or because the video‐endoscope did not achieved a complete course in the colon. The second look colonoscopy is also proposed at a short interval when it is suspected that the endoscopic removal of a single or of multiple neoplastic lesions was incomplete and that a complement of treatment is required. When the initial endoscopic procedure has completely fulfilled its objective, a second look colonoscopy can be proposed at longer intervals in surveillance programs. The intervals in surveillance after polypectomy are now adapted to the initial findings according to established guidelines. This also applies to the surveillance of incident focal cancer in patients suffering from a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.Conclusion:  Finally, in most developed countries, a priority is attributed to screening of colorectal cancer and focus is given on quality assurance of colonoscopy which is considered as the gold standard procedure in the secondary prevention of colorectal cancer.
CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVE OF INTERVENTIONAL ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND IN JAPAN
Authors: Kida Mitsuhiro , Itoi Takao 
Published: June 2009

Vilmann and Grimm made the first reports of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐fine needle aspiration (FNA), and since then EUS‐FNA has become popular in the clinical fields, especially in Western countries. Furthermore interventional EUS such as pseudocyst drainage, EUS‐guided biliary drainage, celiac plexus neurolysis, and dendritic cell injection, etc. have been introduced.We have investigated the current status and future perspectives of interventional EUS in Japan. Standardization of EUS‐guided pseudocyst drainage has been achieved, but EUS‐guided biliary dranage is still controversial, and EUS‐fine needle injection (FNI) including EUS‐celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) and dendritic cell injection have been under investigation. In any case, EUS‐FNA seems to be a promising future technique and new applications have to be invented.
ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION IN THE UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT: PRESENT AND FUTURE VIEW OF EUROPE
Authors: Neuhaus Horst 
Published: June 2009

In Western countries endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has been widely accepted for treatment of early Barrett`s neoplasia and flat or depressed colorectal adenomas. In contrast endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is infrequently performed for several reasons. It seems to be difficult to overcome the learning curve of this difficult technique because of the low case volume of early gastric cancer. On the other hand ESD of esophageal or colorectal lesions is even more challenging and is considered to be inappropriate for learning. In addition the indication for esophageal or colorectal ESD is controversial in view of excellent results of the well established EMR technique which is less time‐consuming and safer than ESD. A recent survey of leading Western endoscopy centers indicated the limited experience with ESD with a low number of cases for all potential indications. Only a few training courses have been established and the number of ongoing clinical studies is limited. Only 12 out of 340 published articles on “endoscopic mucosal dissection” were reported from Western countries.A better acceptance of ESD requires improvement of the technique to allow an easier, faster and safer approach. There is a strong demand for structured training courses and limitations of human cases to selected centers which participate in prospective trials. A close collaboration between Western and Asian centers is recommended for improvement of the ESD technique and its clinical application.
EFFECTIVENESS OF PERORAL CHOLANGIOSCOPY AND NARROW BAND IMAGING FOR ENDOSCOPICALLY DIAGNOSING THE BILE DUCT CANCER
Authors: Igarashi Yoshinori , Okano Naoki , Ito Ken , Suzuki Takuya , Mimura Takahiko 
Published: June 2009

CHF‐B260 has thinner diameters, and the quality of the endoscopic images has improved. Recently, narrow band imaging (NBI) system has been developed for high‐contrast observation of mucosal structures and vascular patterns. It is available to diagnose for the bile duct cancer endoscopically and it is useful for desciding of surgical margin before operation.As for its applicability to investigating the progression of superficially infiltrated bile duct cancer, additional cases must be examined in the future.
EVALUATION OF THE CLINICAL OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH EXERA II AND LUCERA ENDOSCOPES
Authors: Rey Jean‐Francois , Tanaka Shinji , Lambert Rene , Tajiri Hisao 
Published: June 2009

Aim:  Regarding the assessment of colonic lesions, important differences between Japan and the Western world have emerged during the last decade. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of the same equipment when used in Japan or in France.Method:  Chromoscopy has not been extensively accepted in the West, in contrast to the wide acceptance in Japan which is probably due to the national screening programme for early gastric cancer. With the development of narrow‐band imaging (NBI) we might expect a more generalized approach to the clinical use of various classifications. Narrow band imaging might be an important step towards virtual chromoscopy. A total of 48 patients were examined with back‐to‐back colonoscopy, using a non‐sequential (EXERA II, Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Tokyo, Japan) endoscope, and a sequential endoscope (LUCERA, Olympus Medical Systems Corp.).Results:  Education differences also play a role in the evaluation of the clinical outcome of the endoscopy. In Japan, detailed classification of the morphology of the detected lesion is done as a preliminary characterization step before the treatment decision. In the West a treatment decision immediately leads to the therapeutic outcome (non‐neoplastic or neoplastic; removed or not). This study showed clearly that, with the same equipment, we obtained identical results for image quality of image in Japan and France. Non‐Japanese endoscopists could achieve the same results as Japanese colleagues if knowledge of the minute classification is more widely accepted.Conclusion:  While the differences in the evaluation of the clinical outcome are mostly cultural, the analysis of endoscopic imaging indicates that the LUCERA and EXERA series provide the same clinical benefit.
EUS‐GUIDED PANCREATIC PSEUDOCYST DRAINAGE
Authors: Yasuda Ichiro , Iwata Keisuke , Mukai Tsuyoshi , Iwashita Takuji , Moriwaki Hisataka 
Published: June 2009

Background:  Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided pancreatic pseudocyst drainage (EUS‐PPD) has recently become popular. However, this technique has not yet been standardized, and the available instruments have not been sufficiently developed. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the treatment strategy and the choice of devices.Aims:  To evaluate the current status of EUS‐PPD.Methods:  Between May 2001 and February 2008, EUS‐PPD was attempted in 26 patients. Initially, an external drainage was placed, which was replaced with an indwelling tube in cases where the discharge continued more than 2 weeks. The early and late outcomes of EUS‐PPD were retrospectively analyzed.Results:  Placement of a naso‐cystic drainage was successful in 24 (92%) of the 26 patients. Insertion of the drainage tube failed in other 2 patients due to a thickened cystic wall. The pseudocyst was completely resolved after the placement in 23 patients, while the remaining patient underwent a surgical operation. Discharge of the cystic fluid was stopped and the naso‐cystic tube was removed in 12 patients after a median duration of 14.5 days. In the remaining 11 patients, it was replaced with indwelling tubes due to continuous discharge after 2 weeks. Thereafter, the indwelling tubes were removed in all cases after a median duration of 4 months. Recurrence of the pseudocyst occurred in 4 patients during a median follow‐up period of 48 months. All 15 patients without cystic infection were successfully treated by EUS‐PPD, and 9 (60%) of them were treated by only an external drainage. On the other hand, one patient (11%) failed treatment by EUS‐PPD and 5 patients (56%) required subsequent internal drainage among the 9 patients with cystic infection.Conclusions:  Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided pancreatic pseudocyst drainage is a promising treatment for a pancreatic pseudocyst. However, the insertion of the tube is difficult in cases with a thickened cystic wall. Infected pseudocysts are often difficult to treat by only short‐term external drainage, thus additional treatments should be considered at an early stage.