bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of faecal pollution and relative algal abundances in Lakes Oconee and Sinclair, Georgia, USA
Authors: Bachoon Dave S. , Nichols Todd W. , Manoylov Kalina M. , Oetter Doug R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWater quality was assessed for five subregions of Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair in Georgia, USA. The areas were chosen for their levels of human impact, including: (i) suburban development >30 years old; (ii) modern suburban development; (iii) industry; (iv) agriculture; and (v) an area of low human activity. The measured temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration and turbidity values were normal for oligotrophic lakes. Faecal pollution in the lakes was determined using the membrane filtration method (Method 1600) on mEI plates for enterococci. There was a positive correlation between turbidity and the number of faecal enterococci in the lakes. The faecal pollution level was higher for the old suburban and agricultural areas. Faecal pollution in the agricultural region of Lake Oconee exceeded EPA regulatory standards. The faecal pollution source was identified using polymerase chain reaction detection, with Bifidobacterium adolescentis being a marker of human faecal pollution, and bovine‐associated Bacteroides (BoBac) as a marker of cattle faecal pollution. Human faecal pollution was detected in the agricultural, old suburban and industrial areas of the lakes. In contrast, bovine faecal pollution was detected only in the agricultural area of Lake Oconee. Measurements of chlorophyll‐a and relative algal community abundance indicated the least‐impacted and modern suburban areas had significantly lower numbers of primary producers, being dominated by diatoms.
Physicochemical parameters and magnetic speciation of Iron in Nakivubo Channel and Lake Victoria waters
Authors: Bbosa Naziriwo Betty , Oyoo Wandiga Shem , Vicent Madadi Odongo , Atieno Abongo Debra 
Published: June 2009

AbstractMagnetic speciation technique was used for the determination of iron species in Nakivubo Channel and Lake Victoria waters. The method consisted of a column of supported Dowex 1‐X18, 20–50 US mesh (Cl) surrounded by movable permanent magnets. Dowex was supported by a porous material to permit adequate passage of the eluent through the column. In the presence of an external magnetic field, enhanced capacity for adsorption of iron III was observed. The enhanced capacity is primarily due to the magnetic field produced and ion exchange sorption mechanism. The results show that, most of the Iron in Nakivubo Channel waters is in reduced ferrous form while, in the Lake Victoria waters, it exists in the oxidized ferric form. Physicochemical parameters for the field samples are discussed in this study. Turbidity levels in catchments with substantial vegetation were significantly lower than those without. pH values up to 13 was observed for some of the point source. The physicochemical parameters along Nakivubo Channel waters were relatively higher than the Lake Victoria waters indicating slow increasing pollution load along the Nakivubo Channel.
Hypohidrosis‐related symptoms in pediatric epileptic patients with topiramate
Authors: Kim Soon Chul , Seol In Joon , Kim Sun Jun 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground:  Topiramate is one of the most commonly prescribed newer antiepileptic drugs. However, we have encountered quite a few cases of pediatric epileptic patients on topiramate complaining about the symptoms related to hypohidrosis. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and define the clinical characteristics of hypohidrosis‐related symptoms with topiramate in pediatric patients.Methods:  Data was collected prospectively on 264 patients diagnosed as having epilepsy and treated with topiramate at the Department of Pediatrics, Chonbuk National University Hospital between July 2004 and July 2006. The data were collected by direct interview after at least 3 months had elapsed from the initiation of the medication.Results:  The study group was composed of 70 boys and 81 girls, with a mean age of 33.1 ± 43.2 months. The mean duration of topiramate treatment was 13.4 ± 15.0 months; 52 patients (34.4%) were treated with topiramate only and 99 patients (65.6%) were on polytherapy including topiramate; 59 out of 151 patients (39.1%) experienced hypohidrosis‐related symptoms: such as facial flushing, lethargy, itching sensation, irritability with hyperthermia, heat sensation or heat intolerance. However, there were no patients complaining of hypohidrosis‐related symptoms among those who were taking antiepileptic drugs other than topiramate.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that topiramate induces hypohidrosis‐related symptoms more often than we expected, especially in pediatric patients. We recommend that pediatric epileptic patients taking topiramate should be warned to avoid hot and humid environments, especially during the hot summer season.
Clinical guidelines for interstitial cystitis and hypersensitive bladder syndrome
Authors: Homma Yukio , Ueda Tomohiro , Tomoe Hikaru , Lin Alex TL , Kuo Hann‐Chorng , Lee Ming‐Huei , Lee Jeong Gu , Kim Duk Yoon , Lee Kyu‐Sung ,   The interstitial cystitis guideline committee
Published: June 2009

AbstractA clinical guideline and algorism for interstitial cystitis and hypersensitive bladder syndrome has been developed by a group of East Asian urologists as a revised form of the Japanese guideline for interstitial cystitis. The guideline defines interstitial cystitis (IC) as a disease of the urinary bladder diagnosed by 3 requirements; 1) a characteristic complex of lower urinary tract symptoms, 2) bladder pathology such as Hunner's ulcer and bladder bleeding after overdistension, and 3) exclusions of confusable diseases. The characteristic symptom complex is termed as hypersensitive bladder syndrome (HBS), which is defined as bladder hypersensitivity, usually associated with urinary frequency, with or without bladder pain. For the definite diagnosis of IC, cytoscopy or hydrodistension is crutial; HBS is the diagnosis when IC is suspected but not confirmed by the 3 requirements. Numerous therapeutic options are available; however, most of them lack in high level of evidence, leaving a few as recommended therapies. Etiology of IC are multifactorial; the interaction among nervous, immune and endocrine factors forms a vicious cycle, provocating and maintaining inflammatory reactions in the bladder. The inclusion and efficacy criteria for clinical trials should be standardized to enhance the clinical research for this disabling disease, which has proved to be more prevalent than previously believed.
Intubation in routine dacryocystorhinostomy: why we do what we do
Authors: Madge Simon N , Selva Dinesh 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe role of intubation in routine dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery is unclear, with there being little evidence in favour of this practice, which appears to have largely come about as a result of history, anecdote and the evolution of DCR surgery. In this paper, a brief history of intubation in DCR surgery is presented and the evidence base is analysed.
Trachoma, cataracts and uncorrected refractive error are still important contributors to visual morbidity in two remote indigenous communities of the Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Wright Heathcote R , Keeffe Jill E , Taylor Hugh R 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPurpose:  To assess the contribution of trachoma, cataract and refractive error to visual morbidity among Indigenous adults living in two remote communities of the Northern Territory.Design, Setting and Participants:  Cross‐sectional survey of all adults aged 40 and over within a desert and coastal community.Main outcome measures:  Visual acuity, clinical signs of trachoma using the simplified WHO grading system and assessment of cataract through a non‐dilated pupil.Results:  Two hundred and sixty individuals over the age of 40 years participated in the study. The prevalence of visual impairment (<6/12) was 17%. The prevalence of blindness (<3/60) was 2%, 40‐fold higher than seen in an urban Australian population when adjusted for age. In total, 78% of adults who grew up in a desert community had trachomatous scarring compared with 26% of those who grew up in a coastal community (P ≤ 0.001). In the desert community the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis was 10% and corneal opacity was 6%. No trachomatous trichiasis or corneal opacity was seen in the coastal community.Conclusions:  Trachoma, cataract and uncorrected refractive error remain significant contributors to visual morbidity in at least two remote indigenous communities. A wider survey is required to determine if these findings represent a more widespread pattern and existing eye care services may need to be re‐assessed to determine the cause of this unmet need.
Patterns of species turnover in plant‐pollinator communities along a precipitation gradient in Patagonia (Argentina)
Authors: DEVOTO MARIANO , MEDAN DIEGO , ROIG‐ALSINA ARTURO , MONTALDO NORBERTO H. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractRecent studies have assessed the influence of different types of gradients (e.g. altitudinal, latitudinal and temporal, among others) on the structure and function of community‐level plant‐pollinator webs. Although the importance of humidity as a major driver of species‐richness gradients worldwide has been stressed by recent reviews, no studies have been specifically designed to address the influence of precipitation gradients on pollination webs. In the present paper we describe for the first time the turnover of species of plants and their associated flower visitors between eight communities located along a steep precipitation gradient in north‐west Patagonia, Argentina. Our results show that: (i) there is a high spatial turnover of plant communities and their associated pollinators; (ii) this turnover is strongly related to precipitation changes across the region; and (iii) the turnover rate is similar for plants and pollinators. Our results support the view that the precipitation gradient is a significant factor associated with the regional turnover of plants and their pollinators in the temperate forests of southern South America.
Toe‐bud clipping of juvenile small marsupials for ecological field research: No detectable negative effects on growth or survival
Authors: FISHER D. O. , BLOMBERG S. P. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractToe clipping is widely used to permanently mark many species of small vertebrates including marsupials, particularly didelphids and dasyurids. Small marsupials are marked as juveniles, by removing the tip of developing toe buds. It has recently been shown that survival and/or recapture probability decreases with increasing number of toes clipped in frogs. Because of this and other animal welfare concerns, toe clipping of adult vertebrates is increasingly being discouraged. The short‐ and long‐term effects of toe‐bud clipping have not been evaluated in marsupials. We used an experiment to test if marking more toes results in slower growth or higher mortality in the brown antechinus (Antechinus stuartii, Dasyuridae) in the short or long term. We found no harmful effects of toe‐bud clipping. There were no infections associated with clipping, marking more toes did not reduce growth in young or adults, and did not affect survival of young in captivity, survival of independent animals in the wild, or recapture probability. Toe‐bud clipping is done at an extremely immature stage, when the area cut is tiny and perception and memory of pain is unlikely to be a problem. We suggest that toe‐bud clipping is a humane and benign method of permanently marking antechinuses, and probably also the young of other morphologically similar small marsupials.
Identification of the food sources of sympatric ghost shrimp (Trypaea australiensis) and soldier crab (Mictyris longicarpus) populations using a lipid biomarker, dual stable isotope approach
Authors: SPILMONT NICOLAS , MEZIANE TARIK , SEURONT LAURENT , WELSH DAVID T. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractFatty acids (FAs) profiles and stable isotope signatures of the ghost shrimp, Trypaea australiensis and the soldier crab, Mictyris longicarpus were determined at an unvegetated sandbank of Southport (Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia), in November 2005 and February 2006. Additionally, the FAs composition of the faeces and feeding pellets of M. longicarpus and the surface sediment at the study site were also analysed. Trypaea australiensis was found to selectively feed principally on benthic diatoms, as revealed by the high contribution of the marker lipid (20:5 (n‐3)) to tissue total FAs and the δ13C and δ15N isotopic signatures of shrimp tissues. Although the diet of T. australiensis did not change between the two sampling periods, the shrimps appeared to reduce their feeding activity in summer, presumably in relation to a restricted metabolism, as revealed by a decrease in the contribution of the microalgal markers in their tissues. The FAs composition of the tissues of the soldier crab indicated that bacteria and diatoms constituted the base of its diet (contributions of branched 15:0 and 17:0, 18:1 (n‐7) and 20:5 (n‐3)). However, the isotopic signatures of the crabs suggested that meiofauna may represent an intermediate link between the crab and these micro‐organisms.
Lolium multiflorumdensity responses under ozone and herbicide stress
Authors: MARTÍNEZ‐GHERSA M. ALEJANDRA , RADOSEVICH STEVEN R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAdaptations to overcrowding of individual plants result in density dependant control of growth and development. There is little information on how anthropogenic stresses modify these responses. We investigated whether combinations of diclofop‐methyl herbicide and tropospheric ozone alter the pattern of expected growth compensation with density changes resulting from intraspecific competition inLolium multiforumLam (Poacea) plants. Individual plant vegetative parameters and total seed production were assessed for plants growing under various densities and different herbicide rates and ozone treatments. The stressors differently changed the frequency distribution for average individual plant weight resulting from increasing densities. Only herbicide affected seedling mortality. Plants were able to compensate during grain filling maintaining similar seed production – density relationships in all treatments. Our findings contribute to the understanding of the impact of stress factors on the demographic changes in plant populations. Important ecological implications arise: (i) contrasting responses to ozone and herbicide, alone and in combination of individual plants resulted in different biomass – density relationships; (ii) stress effects on plant populations could not be predicted from individual responses; and (iii) changes in competitive outcome by single or combined stress factors may alter the expected genotype frequency in a crowded population with few dominant individuals.
Diversity and salt tolerance of native Acacia rhizobia isolated from saline and non‐saline soils
Authors: THRALL PETER H. , BROADHURST LINDA M. , HOQUE MOHAMED S. , BAGNALL DAVID J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractRe‐establishing native vegetation in stressed soils is of considerable importance in many parts of the world, leading to significant interest in using plant–soil symbiont interactions to increase the cost‐effectiveness of large‐scale restoration. However, effective use of soil microbes in revegetation requires knowledge of how microbe communities vary along environmental stress gradients, as well as how such variation relates to symbiont effectiveness. In Australia, shrubby legumes dominate many ecosystems where dryland salinity is a major issue, and improving plant establishment in saline soils is a priority of regional management agencies. In this study, strains of rhizobial bacteria were isolated from a range of Acacia spp. growing in saline and non‐saline soils. Replicates of each strain were grown under several salinity levels in liquid culture and characterized for growth and salt tolerance. Genetic characterization of rhizobia showed considerable variation among strains, with salt tolerance and growth generally higher in rhizobial populations derived from more saline soils. These strains showed markedly different genetic profiles and generic affiliations to those from more temperate soils, suggesting community differentiation in relation to salt stress. The identification of novel genomic species from saline soils suggests that the diversity of rhizobia associated with Australian Acacia spp. is significantly greater than previously described. Overall, the ability of some symbiotically effective strains to tolerate high salinity is promising with regard to improving host plant re‐establishment in these soils.
Influence of temporal fluctuations in seed abundance on the diet of harvester ants (Pogonomyrmexspp.) in the central Monte desert, Argentina
Authors: PIRK GABRIELA I. , DE CASENAVE JAVIER LOPEZ , POL RODRIGO G. , MARONE LUIS , MILESI FERNANDO A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractHarvester ants usually go through temporal fluctuations in environmental seed abundance and composition which could influence their behaviour and ecology. The aim of this study was to evaluate how these fluctuations influence the diet ofPogonomyrmex rastratus,P. pronotalisandP. inermis(Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in the central Monte desert during three consecutive growing seasons. Although seeds were the main item in the diet, these ants turned more generalist when seed abundance of the most consumed species (grassesAristidaspp.,Trichloris crinita,Pappophorumspp.,Digitaria californicaandStipa ichu) was low. Accordingly, diversity of items in the diet decreased with seed abundance in a logarithmical fashion, showing higher foraging efficiency for seeds at higher seed abundance. Seed diversity, however, was not related to seed abundance as ants always included several species in their diet, with alternating prevalence. The proportion of the most consumed species increased logarithmically in the diet ofP. rastratusandP. pronotalisalong with their abundance in the environment probably as a consequence of diet switching (from forb and shrub seeds to grass seeds) and by an increase in foraging efficiency at higher seed densities. In contrast, foraging activity ofP. inermiswas very low at low seed abundance and its diet included only the five grasses. Among the most consumed species, proportion in the diet was not associated with relative abundance in the environment.Aristidaspp.,Pappophorumspp. andD. californicawere overall highly selected. However, the flexibility in the diet ofP. pronotalisandP. rastratusand the low foraging activity ofP. inermisduring periods of low resource abundance could attenuate potential top‐down effects in the central Monte desert. This study shows that bottom‐up effects are important in ant‐seed interactions and should be considered when predicting and evaluating ants' effects on seed resources.
EVALUATION OF PERORAL VIDEOCHOLANGIOSCOPY USING NARROW‐BAND IMAGING FOR DIAGNOSIS OF INTRADUCTAL PAPILLARY NEOPLASM OF THE BILE DUCT
Authors: Itoi Takao , Sofuni Atsushi , Itokawa Fumihide , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Kurihara Toshio 
Published: June 2009

Background:  It is very important for intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) to determine the extension of the neoplasms because of substantial differences in the approach to treatment strategy. Peroral videocholangioscopy (PVCS) has been developed as a new diagnostic tool for high resolution imaging of biliary disorders. Recently, narrow‐band imaging (NBI) has made it possible to emphasize the imaging of certain features, such as mucosal structures and capillary vessels. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of PVCS using NBI for the diagnosis of IPNB.Patients and Methods:  Four patients (3 men and 1 woman) were eligible for this study as they were scheduled for PVCS for evaluation of IPNB between August 2005 and September 2008 at Tokyo Medical University Hospital. We evaluated endoscopic imaging of white light imaging (WLI) and NBI for IPNB lesions, and ability of removing mucin in the bile duct by PVCS. The quality of the visualization was evaluated. : (i) poor, (ii) fair, and (iii) excellent, compared to WLI and the feasibility of irrigation: (i) poor, (ii) fair, and (iii) excellent, compared to those in patients with non‐mucin‐producing biliary tract diseases.Results:  After sufficient removal of mucin by balloon catheter, conventional cholangioscopy could detect the papillary lesion, and revealed the range of tumor spread in all cases. Interestingly, another papillary lesion far from the main tumor was detected only by PVCS. In the ability to detect the fine mucosal structure, NBI was predisposed to be better than conventional imaging while only one case was “poor” by NBI observation because we could not eliminate the influence of bile.Conclusion:  Our results presented here suggest that the depiction ability of the margin of lesions by NBI observation is superior to conventional observation if abundant mucin can be removed sufficiently. Although further cases should be accumulated, choledochoscopy using NBI may be helpful for the observation of fine mucosal structures, resulting in diagnosis of tumor spread in patients with IPNB.
EUS‐GUIDED PANCREATIC PSEUDOCYST DRAINAGE: SIMULTANEOUS PLACEMENT OF STENTS AND NASOCYSTIC CATHETER USING DOUBLE‐GUIDEWIRE TECHNIQUE
Authors: Itoi Takao , Itokawa Fumihide , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Kawai Takashi , Moriyasu Fuminori 
Published: June 2009

Background:  Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided pancreatic pseudocyst drainage has become the standard and safety procedure in many centers for nonsurgical treatment. If multiple stents or another nasocystic catheter are used, the pseudocyst is recannulated using a catheter and guidewire. To avoid the cumbersome issue of recannulating the pseudocyst, we, and some endoscopists, have advocated the concept of a double‐wire technique. The aim of this study is to evaluate EUS‐guided simultaneous placement of stent and nasocystic catheter for pancreatic pseudocyst.Patients and Methods:  Thirteen patients (9 men, mean age 55.7 years) underwent EUS‐guided pancreatic pseudocyst drainage by simultaneous placement of stent and nasocystic catheter. Mean size of cyst was 81.3 ± 63.1 (range; 35–280 cm). The symptoms that indicated a requirement for drainage in the 13 patients were abdominal pain (n = 8), fever (n = 4), and biliary obstruction (n = 1).Results:  Transgastric and transduodenal approach were conducted in 10 cases and 3 cases, respectively. The procedure was technically successful in 12 of 13 patients (92%). At a median follow‐up of 785 days, the treatment was successful in 13 of 13 patients (100%). No pseudocyst recurrence was observed. Decrease of cyst was seen in 8 cases (61.5%). Pseudocyst disappeared completely in 5 cases. There was no procedure‐related complication.Conclusion:  Although more experience is required to determine whether this method is more effective, we believe that stent placement in combination with nasocystic catheter using double‐wire technique will be of great value for patients with pancreatic pseudocysts without pancreatic necrosis.