bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Exogenous Testosterone on Parental Care Behaviours in Male Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)
Authors: Rodgers Chandra M. C. , Neff Bryan D. , Knapp Rosemary 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAndrogens are known to mediate aggressive and defensive behaviour in many vertebrate species. However, high concentrations of androgens might also conflict with the expression of nurturing behaviours and therefore a trade‐off can exist between aggressive and nurturing behaviours during parental care. We explored the role of testosterone in paternal care in bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus), where males provide both sole defence of the young from predators and sole nurturing behaviour such as fanning of the eggs. At the onset of parental care, we manipulated testosterone levels in males using testosterone propionate implants. We then observed the frequency of nurturing and aggressive behaviours displayed by the males over 6 d of parental care. Testosterone‐implanted fish were more aggressive when presented with a brood predator, performing more bites, opercular flares and lateral displays than control males. Testosterone‐implanted males, however, were not less nurturing than control fish, performing similar levels of fanning and nest‐cleaning behaviours. Thus, our results support a positive relationship between testosterone and paternal aggression but no testosterone‐mediated trade‐off between paternal nurturing and aggression.
Testes Investment along a Vertical Depth Gradient in an Herbivorous Fish
Authors: Ota Kazutaka , Hori Michio , Kohda Masanori 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMales are expected to adjust testes investment according to the varying level of sperm competition that they experience. Spatial and temporal variation in population density likely influences sperm competition. In herbivorous aquatic organisms, densities often decrease along a vertical depth gradient, because their food is photosynthetic and thus becomes less abundant in deeper regions where less light penetrates. This decrease should be dramatic on a steep slope, which allows testing of the association between density and testes investment at the within‐population level. We tested the effect in the socially monogamous herbivorous cichlid fish
Variabilichromis moorii living on a steep slope in Lake Tanganyika. We examined competitor density and food abundance as ecological factors, territory defense behaviors and phenotypic traits (testes investment and somatic investment), and compared them between shallow (4–6 m depth) and deep habitats (10–13 m depth) separated by several dozen meters. We found that food availability drastically decreased with increasing depth and that
V
. moorii was much more abundant in shallower habitats. Males in shallower habitats were in better physical condition (based on fat and liver mass) despite experiencing greater costs in terms of territory defense. Testes investment differed in areas with different competitor density and food abundance along a vertical depth gradient, but competitor density was the most explanatory factor of the difference. This suggests that this herbivorous fish would change testes investment in response to population density.
Pecking but Accepting the Parasitic Eggs may not Reflect Ejection Failure: The Role of Motivation
Authors: Soler Manuel , Fernández‐Morante Jacob , Espinosa Francisco , Martín‐Vivaldi Manuel 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus, is an evictor brood parasite that generally reduces host fitness to zero, exerting strong selective pressure on hosts to evolve egg recognition and rejection. However, a great deal of variation in egg‐rejection efficiency exists, egg‐rejection behaviour being considered a flexible conditional response against parasitic eggs. Recently, it has been shown that some of the individuals that recognized (pecked) the parasitic egg finally accepted it. Here, we present the results of two egg‐recognition experiments made in two populations of rufous‐tailed scrub robins, Cercotrichas galactotes, in which one plaster model or a real house sparrow's egg, respectively, was experimentally introduced into their nests. The hosts' response was video recorded, allowing us to quantify the number of pecks, pecking strength, and ejection behaviour. We have found that rufous‐tailed scrub robin females ejected the model egg easily by grasping it after weakly pecking it; however, sometimes (55%) females pecked the experimental egg but did not eject it. This acceptance after pecking is not the consequence of a failure at puncture ejection, given that when confronted with real eggs (soft and easily punctured) in the second experiment, only 20% of pecked eggs were ejected, signifying that females that pecked at eggs without ejecting them had a low motivation to eject. We also discuss the effect of clutch inspection and the function of pecking strength. Finally, based on our own and previous research demonstrating pecking not followed by rejection, we propose a stepwise discrimination process in which accumulating motivation plays a key role in determining behavioural pathways shaping host response to parasitic eggs.
Pathogenicity and virulence of Armillaria sinapina and host response to infection in Douglas‐fir, western hemlock and western redcedar in the southern Interior of British Columbia
Authors: Cleary M. R. , van der Kamp B. J. , Morrison D. J. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe frequency of infection, lesion characteristics and anatomical changes in phloem and cambial tissues caused by Armillaria sinapina were studied on inoculated trees of Douglas‐fir, western hemlock and western redcedar and compared with results of A. ostoyae inoculations previously reported on the same host species. Similar percentages of inoculations resulting in infection of roots on the three hosts indicate that A. sinapina and A. ostoyae are equally pathogenic. Armillaria ostoyae was more virulent than A. sinapina as demonstrated by fungal exudates from A. ostoyae inoculum blocks, which appeared to cause lesions on roots; the higher frequency at which lignified impervious tissue (IT) and necrophylactic periderm (NP) developed in bark and following cambial invasion, compartmentalization; the large proportion of roots that showed no visible host response; the large zones of IT formed under continuous stimulation by A. ostoyae advancing in inner bark; and the high frequency of breaching of NP barriers. Spread of A. sinapina mycelium in host species appeared slower than that of A. ostoyae, particularly in Douglas‐fir and western hemlock. In western redcedar, A. ostoyae induced stronger host responses than those following invasion by A. sinapina, which included further expansion of the induced rhytidome response, traumatic phloem resin duct formation and higher numbers of polyphenolic parenchyma comprising its barrier zone. Where damage by A. sinapina ensued, it was always associated with high inoculum potential. The ecology of virulent and less virulent species of Armillaria in natural forests is discussed.
Root‐colonizing ophiostomatoid fungi associated with dying and dead young Scots pine in Poland
Authors: Jankowiak R. , Bilański P. , Kolařík M. , Wasiuta D. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryOphiostomatoid fungi are carried by various bark beetles. However, very little is known about the role of these fungi in conifer roots. We studied ophiostomatoid fungi in roots of dying and dead Pinus sylvestris trees and tested the potential phytotoxicity of some isolates using a sensitive bioassay with Lepidium sativum in Poland. Fungi were identified based on their morphology and DNA sequencing. Three ophiostomatoid fungi, Leptographium procerum, Sporothrix inflata and Ophiostoma pallidulum, were isolated from the roots. The most abundant soil‐borne fungus, S. inflata, and relatively rare O. pallidulum were isolated for the first time from roots of dying and dead pine trees. The frequency of S. inflata and O. pallidulum correlated with tree decline. The fungi were isolated more frequently from roots of dead than dying trees. Sporothrix inflata and O. pallidulum slightly reduced the stem and root growth of L. sativum. Leptographium procerum reduced more significantly root than stem growth. This species reduced root elongation 32–54% after 10–17 days of incubation.
Concurrence of lichen striatus and localised pityriasis rosea: Cutaneous mosaicism
Authors: Verma Prashant , Singal Archana , Yadav Pravesh , Sharma Reena 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTCutaneous mosaicism has always been an intriguing subject. A 15‐year‐old boy presented to us with a unilateral band of lesions of pityriasis rosea and lichen striatus. The case is discussed in the light of the concept of genetic mosaicism.
Effect of captopril on infantile haemangiomas: A retrospective case series
Authors: Christou Elizabeth M , Wargon Orli 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThe mechanism of action of beta adrenergic blockers in the involution of infantile haemangioma (IH) remains unclear. It has been proposed that the renin‐angiotensin pathway may play a role. We present a retrospective case series of 17 patients with IH who were treated with oral corticosteroid therapy and developed hypertension requiring treatment with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril. All patients, with written documentation, demonstrated an improvement in their lesion at the start of oral corticosteroid therapy (n = 14). Captopril alone did not sustain the corticosteroid‐induced involution with a documented worsening of infantile haemangioma in seven out of 12 patients (58%).
Practice of breast self‐examination and knowledge of breast cancer among female university students in Korea
Authors: Shin Kyung Rim , Park Hyo Jung , Kim Mijung 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis study examined the practice of breast self‐examination and knowledge of breast cancer among female university students in Korea. This was a cross‐sectional descriptive study. The participants were 2186 female university students in Korea. The Breast Cancer and Heredity Knowledge Scale was used. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, χ2‐test, t‐test, ANOVA, and logistic regression. Twenty‐seven percent of students reported engaging in breast self‐examination. The participants displayed a medium‐level score (total score: 5.33 ± 2.70, range: 0–11) on knowledge about breast cancer. Predictors for breast self‐examination were age (odds ratio = 1.15, P < 0.001), major (odds ratio = 1.80, P < 0.001), and knowledge of breast cancer (odds ratio = 1.16, P < 0.001). This study was the sole nationwide‐scale research that examined the practice of breast self‐examination, related factors, and knowledge of breast cancer among female university students, as a representative sample of young Korean women. The results are valuable in developing educational programs that can increase knowledge related to breast cancer, as well as the practice of breast self‐examination, to support health promotion among young women.
Animal feasibility study of an innovated splash‐needle for endoscopic submucosal dissection in the upper gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Sugita Noriyuki 
Published: June 2012

Background and aimThe high frequency of complications accompanying endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and its complex processes suggest that the process requires improvement. The objective of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of an innovated splash‐needle for ESD.MethodsAn animal feasibility study with a living pig was conducted. Six resections per portion (esophagus and upper, middle, and lower thirds of the stomach) in a total of 24 resections were carried out by using an original splash‐needle or an innovated splash‐needle. Major innovations were a thicker part in the middle of the knife and a metal plate on the tip of the sheath to obtain more coagulation ability. Injection solution in the submucosal layer was also changed due to possible influence on the outcomes. Main outcome measurements were entire procedure time, cutting speed, and frequency of bleeding during ESD.ResultsAll the 24 resections were completed without complications. Among the obtained data, only mean cutting speeds were significantly influenced by location of the simulated lesion, which revealed that ESD at the upper third was significantly quicker than that at the lower third (P = 0.01), and ESD at the esophagus was significantly slower than that at the three parts of the stomach (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the different knives in each variable.ConclusionsThe innovated splash‐needle will be feasible for human use, although the safety and advantages in clinical settings must be elucidated by proper comparative studies with existing knives in humans.
Topical anesthesia for transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Spray, applicator, or both?
Authors: Moriyama Tomohiko , Matsumoto Takayuki , Esaki Motohiro , Nakamura Shotaro , Kimura Hiroshi 
Published: June 2012

Background and AimTransnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) has become widely accepted in Japan. Better performance and compliance for the procedure are expected with appropriate nasal anesthesia.We aimed to elucidate the effectiveness, the safety and the compliance of nasal anesthesia for transnasal EGD.MethodsSubjects were 372 asymptomatic patients examined by transnasal EGD for gastric cancer screening. They were pretreated with topical anesthesia either with a nasal spray method (Spr group, n = 127), cotton‐tipped applicator method (Cot group, n = 115), or both (Com group, n = 130). Lidocaine (4%) was applied with atomizer in the Spr method, whereas a cotton‐tipped applicator soaked in 4% lidocaine was placed in the nasal cavity for 5 min in the Cot method. After transnasal EGD, each subject rated procedure‐related discomfort according to visual analogue scales. In subjects who had prior experience oftransoral EGD, tolerance against EGD was compared between transnasal and transoral routes.ResultsThere were no severe adverse events related to topical anesthesia.Transnasal EGD was completed in 94.9% of the patients.Age, gender or insertion failure rate were not different among Spr, Cot and Com groups. Pain scores for anesthesia and examination were significantly lower in the Spr group, whereas the pain score for insertion was not different among the three groups.The rate of patients who deemed transnasal EGD to be more tolerable than transoral EGD was highest in the Spr group.ConclusionsTopical nasal spray seems to be appropriate for topical anesthesia in transnasal EGD.
Testing postural control among various osteoporotic patient groups: A literature review
Authors: de Groot Maartje H , van der Jagt‐Willems Hanna C , van Campen Jos PCM , Lems Willem F , Lamoth Claudine JC 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Osteoporosis can cause vertebral fractures, which might lead to a flexed posture, impaired postural control and consequently increased fall risk. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to examine whether postural control of patients with osteoporosis, vertebral fractures, thoracic kyphosis and flexed posture is affected. Furthermore, instruments measuring postural control were evaluated and examined for sensitivity and easy clinical use.Methods:  Until February 2011, electronic databases were systematically searched for cross‐sectional studies. Methodological quality was assessed with a modified Downs & Black scale.Results:  Of the 518 found studies, 18 studies were included. Postural control was generally affected for patients with vertebral fractures, thoracic kyphosis and flexed posture. Patients with osteoporosis had impaired postural control when assessed with computerized instruments. Easy performance‐based tests did not show any impairments.Conclusions:  There is evidence for an impaired postural control in all patient groups included. Impaired postural control is an important risk factor for falls. Functional performance tests are not sensitive and specific enough to detect affected postural control in patients with osteoporosis. To detect impaired postural control among osteoporotic patients and to obtain more insight into the underlying mechanisms of postural control, computerized instruments are recommended, such as easy‐to‐use ambulant motion‐sensing (accelerometry) technology. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; ••: ••–••.
Comprehensive geriatric functional analysis of elderly populations in four categories of the long‐term care insurance system in a rural, depopulated and aging town in Japan
Authors: Chen Wenling , Fukutomi Eriko , Wada Taizo , Ishimoto Yasuko , Kimura Yumi , Kasahara Yoriko , Sakamoto Ryota , Okumiya Kiyohito , Matsubayashi Kozo 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to show which dimensions of functions differ among community‐dwelling elderly participants in four different certification levels of the current long‐term care insurance system (LTCI) in a rural, depopulated and aging town in Japan, with special consideration for strengths and weaknesses of the LTCI.Methods:  The study population consisted of 1077 community‐dwelling elderly participants aged 65 years and older, with LTCI certification comprising 542 uncertified elderly (Ippan‐Koureisya), 437 specified elderly (Tokutei‐Koreisha), 57 support‐level elderly (Youshien‐Koureisha) and 41 care‐level elderly (Youkaigo‐Ninteisha). Each participant was rated regarding their health status, with question topics including basic activities of daily living (ADL), the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG‐IC), the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15), 21‐item Fall Risk Index (FRI‐21), the quantitative subjective quality of life (QOL), current medical situation, past medical histories and social backgrounds.Results:  The scores in basic ADL, each item of the TMIG‐IC and five items of the quantitative subjective QOL were significantly lower, and the scores in GDS‐15 and in FRI‐21 were significantly higher according to certification level, in order of uncertified, specified, support‐level and care‐level elderly in a dose–response manner. Exercise and drinking habits were significantly less common in support‐ or care‐level elderly than in specified or uncertified elderly. The prevalence of taking antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemia, antidepressant or sleeping medications was significantly higher in the support‐ or care‐level elderly than in uncertified or specified elderly people. Support‐ or care‐level elderly also had a significantly higher prevalence of past medical histories of stroke, bone fractures, osteoarthropathy, heart disease and cancer than uncertified or specified elderly people.Conclusion:  Actual standardized quantitative and qualitative geriatric functions of the elderly among four categories in newly revised LTCI system were shown in a depopulated and aging town in Japan. Based on the actual situation of functions of the elderly, the strengths and weaknesses of the current LTCI system were reconsidered. Further research on the measures to prevent future dependency among the specified and support‐level elderly is required. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 63–69.
Effects of health literacy to self‐efficacy and preventive care utilization among older adults
Authors: Chen Ji‐Zhen , Hsu Hui‐Chuan , Tung Ho‐Jui , Pan Ling‐Yen 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  This study examined the relationships between health literacy, self‐efficacy and preventive care utilization among older adults in Taiwan.Methods:  The data were from a longitudinal survey, “Taiwan Longitudinal Study in Aging” in 2003 and 2007. A total of 3479 participants who completed both two waves were included for analysis. Health literacy first was constructed through education, cognitive function and disease knowledge through structural equation modeling (SEM); then, the associations of health literacy to later self‐efficacy and preventive care were examined.Results:  The model fit of SEM was good, indicating that the construct of health literacy was appropriate. Healthy literacy showed a moderate positive effect on self‐efficacy and a small positive effect on preventive care utilization.Conclusions:  Health literacy increases self‐efficacy and utilization of preventive care. Promoting people's health knowledge and health literacy is suggested. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 70–76.
Effects of cilostazol on cognition and regional cerebral blood flow in patients with Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease: A pilot study
Authors: Sakurai Hirofumi , Hanyu Haruo , Sato Tomohiko , Kume Kazumasa , Hirao Kentaro , Kanetaka Hidekazu , Iwamoto Toshihiko 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  It remains unknown whether antiplatelet agents have a preventive effect on cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated the effects of cilostazol, an antiplatelet agent and cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor, on cognition and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in elderly patients with AD and cerebrovascular disease (CVD).Methods:  A total of 20 patients with AD and CVD were randomly assigned to a cilostazol group (n = 11, 100 mg daily) or control group (n = 9, aspirin 100 mg or clopidogrel 50 mg–75 mg daily) for 6 months.Results:  The cilostazol group did not show any statistically significant changes in cognitive function test scores, whereas the control group showed statistically significant cognitive decline on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive Subscale (Japanese version), Revised Wechsler Memory Scale (logical memory‐I) and Trail Making Test‐A. Analysis of covariance of treatment effect revealed that the cilostazol group showed increased rCBF in the right anterior cingulate lobe compared with baseline, whereas the control group showed decreased rCBF in the left middle temporal gyrus compared with baseline.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that cilostazol might have a preventive effect on cognitive decline in patients with AD and CVD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 90–97.
Analysis of the normative conditions of oral health, depression and serotonin‐transporter‐linked promoter region polymorphisms in an elderly population
Authors: Mendes Danilo Cangussu , Silva Thiago Fonseca , Barros Lucas de Oliveira , de Oliveira Marcos Vinícius Macêdo , Vieira Leonardo Tadeu , Haikal Desirée Sant'Ana , Guimarães André Luiz Sena , De Paula Alfredo Maurício Batista 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  To investigate the association between depression, the normative conditions of oral health and serotonin‐transporter‐linked promoter region (5‐HTTLPR) polymorphisms in a community‐dwelling elderly sample.Methods:  Elderly adults living in a community (n = 200) were submitted to an oral clinical examination. Depression was assessed using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale. The 5‐HTTLPR was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. Associations between the biomarkers and clinical covariates were assessed by bivariate and multivariate statistical tests. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.Results:  The prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, edentulism and oral mucosal lesions was 51.2%, 20.8%, 58.0% and 21.5%, respectively. The prevalence of depression was 21.5%. A higher frequency of the S allele was recorded in older individuals with depression (P = 0.017). The present findings showed no significant association between depression and the normative conditions of oral health. The observed allelic polymorphisms were 44% S and 56% L, respectively. Genotypic variants were 33.5% LL, 45.0% SL and 21.5% SS. Individuals carrying the SS genotype showed a significantly high prevalence of periodontal disease (prevalence ratio = 3.077, CI 95% = 1.008–9.393, P = 0.048).Conclusion:  The present findings suggest that depressive community‐dwelling older individuals did not show any association with alterations of oral health normative conditions. However, the SS genotypic polymorphic variant of 5‐HTTLPR seems to contribute to the occurrence of periodontal disease in the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 98–106.