bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reciprocal phenotypic plasticity can lead to stable predator–prey interaction
Authors: Mougi Akihiko , Kishida Osamu 
Published: July 2009

Summary 1. Inducible defences of prey and inducible offences of predators are prevalent strategies in trophic interactions with temporal variation. Due to the inducible properties of the functional traits themselves, which drive the dynamic predator–prey relationship on an ecological time‐scale, predator and prey may reciprocally interact through their inducible traits (i.e. reciprocal phenotypic plasticity). 2. Although overwhelming evidence of the stabilizing effect of inducible traits in either species on community dynamics forcefully suggests a critical ecological role for reciprocal plasticity in predator–prey population dynamics, our understanding of its ecological consequences is very limited. 3. Within a mathematical modelling framework, we investigated how reciprocal plasticity influences the stability of predator–prey systems. 4. By assuming two types of phenotypic shift, a density‐dependent shift and an adaptive phenotypic shift, we examined two interaction scenarios with reciprocal plasticity: (i) an arms‐race‐like relationship, in which the defensive prey phenotype is more protective against both predator phenotypes (i.e. normal and offensive) than the normal prey phenotype, and the offensive predator is a more efficient consumer, preying upon both prey phenotypes (i.e. normal and defensive), than the normal predator and (ii) a matching response‐like relationship, in which the offensive predator consumes more defensive prey and fewer normal prey than the normal predator. 5. Results of both phenotypic shift models consistently suggest that given the used set of parameter values, the arms‐race‐like reciprocal plasticity scenario has the largest stability area, when compared with the other scenarios. In particular, higher stability is achieved when the prey exhibits a high‐performance inducible defence. Furthermore, this stabilization is so strong that the destabilizing effects of enrichment may be eliminated, even though the higher flexibility of plasticity does not always stabilize a system. 6. Recent empirical studies support our model predictions. Clear‐cut examples of reciprocal phenotypic plasticity show an arms‐race‐like relationship in which prey species exhibit induced high‐performance defences. We may need to re‐examine reported predator–prey interactions in which predator or prey exhibits inducible plasticity to determine whether arms‐race‐like reciprocal plasticity is a general ecological phenomenon.
Comparison of two skin examination methods for grade 1 pressure ulcers
Authors: Kottner Jan , Dassen Theo , Lahmann Nils 
Published: July 2009

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to find out whether the application of a transparent device for diagnosing grade 1 pressure ulcers influences grade 1 pressure ulcer prevalence rates and the total number of observed grade 1 pressure ulcers.Background.  It is assumed that the accuracy of visual grade 1 pressure ulcer diagnosis is enhanced if a transparent device is used.Design.  Quasi‐experimental.Method.  Within a pressure ulcer prevalence study participating institutions were divided into groups at random. Data collecting nurses of the intervention group (n = 4667) applied a transparent disc. Data collecting nurses of the control group (n = 5095) conducted skin inspection using the ‘finger‐method’. Group comparisons were conducted. Relations between skin assessment methods and grade 1 pressure ulcer prevalence was analysed by logistic regressions.Results.  Both groups were comparable regarding demographic characteristics. Grade 1 pressure ulcer prevalence in the intervention group was 3·9% and 7·1% in the control group (p<0·001). The total number of observed grade 1 pressure ulcers was 282 (intervention group) and 555 (control group). The chance to identify at least one grade 1 pressure ulcer increased when the ‘finger method’ was used (p<0·001).Conclusions.  The use of a transparent disc influences the grade 1 pressure ulcer prevalence rates and the total number of observed grade 1 pressure ulcers.Relevance to clinical practice.  Accurate identification of grade 1 pressure ulcers is important, because the development of those skin alterations indicate an urgent need for preventive measures. As the diagnosis of grade 1 pressure ulcers seems to be affected by the observation method, it is unknown which method is the more accurate. A study of diagnostic accuracy is needed to answer this question. It is recommended to report pressure ulcer prevalence rates including and excluding grade 1.
Children and young people’s strategies to access information during a family member’s critical illness
Authors: Kean Susanne 
Published: July 2009

Background. Including children and young people in family research increases study complexity and as a consequence they are excluded from most studies and little is known about their experiences with critical illness in their families.Aim. The overall study aimed at exploring families’ experiences with critical illness in intensive care and nurses’ perception of families. This article presents findings in relation to one specific aspect, namely how children accessed information while a family member was in ICU.Design. Constructivist grounded theory.Method. Focus groups with families and nurses. The study was organised in two phases (1) family group interviews and (2) focus groups with nurses. Reported data originate from nine family interviews (12 adults, 12 children/ young people). Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and imported into NVivo for data management and analysis. The principal approach in grounded theory, the constant comparative method, was followed.Results. The findings suggest that the themes ‘adults controlling information’, ‘keeping normality in life’ and ‘fishing for information’ reflected the children and young people's experiences in accessing information during a critical illness in their families. The activities children and young people described, which constructed these themes appeared to result directly from issues of clinical and functional uncertainty. The strategies children and young people developed to access information about their family member’s critical illness emerged in the context of power asymmetries in families.Conclusion. It is suggested that including young people in critical illness situations is crucial to supporting them through a time of uncertainty. Being able to visit their loved one in ICU was an important means to access information for young people in this study.Relevance to clinical practice. Parents and nurses need to reflect on young people’s ability and right to participate by being open and honest with children of all ages.
Treatment of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis with dapsone, itraconazole, cryotherapy, and imiquimod, alone and in combination
Authors: Al‐Mutairi Nawaf , Alshiltawy Mazen , Khalawany Mohamed El , Joshi Arun , Eassa Bayoumy Ibrahim , Manchanda Yashpal , Gomaa Samir , Darwish Ibrahim , Rijhwani Manish 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground  Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major public health problem. The currently available therapies are expensive, not freely available, toxic, and not always curative. A simple, effective, noninvasive therapeutic approach is required for the treatment of CL.Aims  To determine the clinical patterns of CL and to report our experience in the management of CL.Methods  One hundred and ten patients with CL seen between January 2005 and December 2007 were included in this study. The diagnosis was based on clinical features, parasitologic diagnosis, histopathology, and culture. Each patient was treated according to disease severity with either topical (cryotherapy or imiquimod) or systemic (itraconazole or dapsone) monotherapy, or a combination of these modalities.Results  CL was more common in adult expatriate men, with the upper limbs as the most commonly affected site. Noduloulcerative CL was the most common presentation (84.6%). Atypical CL was found in 18 patients. Skin biopsy was the most common diagnostic technique (66.6%). Monotherapy showed an overall success rate of 56.41%, whereas combination therapy was successful in 69.56% of cases. Cryotherapy alone was successful in 68.18% of cases. Imiquimod alone was ineffective.Conclusion  A stepwise approach represents a rational and practical way of confirming CL. A combination of itraconazole/dapsone and topically applied imiquimod is safe, simple, and effective for the treatment of CL. More studies are needed to establish the role of such an approach. Cryotherapy is also safe, simple and effective for the treatment of CL.
Serum mucosa‐associated epithelial chemokine (MEC/CCL28) in atopic dermatitis: a specific marker for severity
Authors: Ezzat Mohamed Hesham Mohamed , Sallam Mohamed Abdelnaeem , Shaheen Kareem Yehia Ali 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground  Mucosa‐associated epithelial chemokine (MEC; CCL28) is considered to be pivotal in mediating the migration of CC chemokine receptor 3‐ and 10‐ (CCR3‐ and CCR10)‐expressing, skin‐homing, memory, cutaneous lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐positive (CLA+) T cells. CCL28 is selectively and continuously expressed by epidermal keratinocytes, but highly upregulated in inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD).Aim  This controlled longitudinal study was designed to evaluate the expression of CCL28 in serum in childhood AD and bronchial asthma (BA), and its possible relationship to disease severity and activity.Methods  Serum CCL28 levels were measured in 36 children with AD, 23 with BA, 14 with both conditions, and 21 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Sixteen patients in the AD group were followed up and resampled for serum CCL28 after clinical remission. Serum CCL28 levels were correlated with some AD disease activity and severity variables.Results  Serum CCL28 levels in AD, whether during flare [median, 1530 pg/mL; mean ± standard deviation (SD) = 1590.4 ± 724.3 pg/mL] or quiescence (median, 1477 pg/mL; mean ± SD = 1575.2 ± 522.1 pg/mL), were significantly higher than those in healthy children (median, 301 pg/mL; mean ± SD = 189.6 ± 92.8 pg/mL); however, the levels during flare and quiescence were statistically comparable. The serum levels in BA (median, 340 pg/mL; mean ± SD = 201.6 ± 109.5 pg/mL) were significantly lower than those in the AD group, and comparable with those in healthy controls. Serum CCL28 levels in severe AD were significantly higher than those in mild and moderate cases, and correlated positively with the calculated severity scores [Leicester Sign Score (LSS) and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD)]. CCL28 levels during the exacerbation of AD were positively correlated with the corresponding values during remission, the peripheral absolute eosinophil counts, and serum lactate dehydrogenase levels. Serum CCL28 levels were not correlated with the serum total immunoglobulin E values in AD.Conclusions  Our data reinforce the concept that CCL28 might contribute to the pathogenesis of AD, probably through the selective migration and infiltration of effector/memory T‐helper‐2 cells in the skin. CCL28 may also represent an objective prognostic marker for disease severity. Further studies may pave the way for CCL28 antagonism among adjuvant therapeutic strategies.
High‐resolution color Doppler ultrasound of a caliber‐persistent artery of the lip, a simulator variant of dermatologic disease: case report and sonographic findings
Authors: Wortsman Ximena , Calderón Perla , Arellano Javier , Orellana Yessenia 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground  Caliber‐persistent labial artery (CPLA) is a vascular anomaly in which a primary artery penetrates the submucosa without caliber loss. It presents as an asymptomatic papular lesion, usually on the lower lip, which may be misdiagnosed as a malignant skin tumor and can cause severe bleeding during biopsy or surgery. Development of new high‐resolution ultrasound equipment has improved its observation.Aim  This study was undertaken to assess the scope of ultrasound for the diagnosis of CPLA.Methods  We report a case of a 65‐year‐old woman with a nodule involving the lower lip, initially misdiagnosed as a malignant skin tumor. Diagnosis was confirmed by high‐resolution color Doppler ultrasound using a compact linear probe that generates frequencies of 7–15 MHz.Results  The clinical presentation of the lesion, ultrasound technique, and sonographic findings are described. A current literature review of CPLA diagnosis was performed. Clinical and sonographic images are given as examples.Conclusions  High‐resolution color Doppler ultrasound is a reliable noninvasive technique for CPLA diagnosis. It allows direct visualization of this vascular variant in real time without the use of an intravenous contrast agent. It may avoid surgical complications and help in the differential diagnosis. Newer high‐resolution equipment allows a clear definition of the cutaneous and muscular layers, as well as the vascularity of the lips.
Homoplastic evolution of external colouration in Asian stout newts (Pachytriton) inferred from molecular phylogeny
Authors: Wu Yunke , Wang Yuezhao , Jiang Ke , Chen Xin , Hanken James 
Published: July 2009

Wu, Y., Wang, Y., Jiang, K., Chen, X. & Hanken, J. (2009). Homoplastic evolution of external colouration in Asian stout newts (Pachytriton) inferred from molecular phylogeny.—Zoologica Scripta, 39, 9–22.The Asian stout newts of the genus Pachytriton (Salamandridae) inhabit montane streams in south‐eastern China. Despite their abundance in the pet trade, the phylogeny and systematics of this genus are poorly understood. Colouration is often used to delimit species under the assumption that consistent chromatic differences characterize independent evolutionary lineages. We present the first phylogenetic study of Pachytriton that incorporates 2.35 kb of mitochondrial DNA (ND2, cytb) and 1.2 kb of nuclear sequence data (RAG‐1) along with morphometric characters to infer evolutionary relationships and patterns of colour evolution among the three described species: Pachytriton brevipes, Pachytriton labiatus and Pachytriton archospotus. Our results support the monophyly of Pachytriton and recover P. archospotus as the sister taxon to P. brevipes. Monophyly of P. labiatus is significantly rejected: south‐western populations are sister to the group of P. brevipes plus P. archospotus, whereas north‐eastern populations nest with P. brevipes. The two geographic units are further separated by multivariate morphological analyses. South‐western P. labiatus is the type species; misidentification of north‐eastern populations as P. labiatus results from their similar colouration. An unspotted, dark brown dorsum is the likely ancestral state for the genus, whereas black‐spotted colouration characterized the common ancestor of P. brevipes, P. archospotus, and north‐eastern P. labiatus and was secondarily lost in the latter group. Homoplastic evolution and intraspecific variation render colour pattern in Pachytriton an unreliable character for delimiting species boundaries. North‐eastern populations of P. labiatus are declining as the result of human collection and habitat destruction and are in urgent need of conservation protection.
Does diabetes mellitus modify the association between 17q12 risk variant and prostate cancer aggressiveness?
Authors: Loeb Stacy , Helfand Brian T. , Kan Donghui , Isaacs William B. , Catalona William J. 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVETo examine further the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM), genotype and prostate cancer aggressiveness. Specifically, we sought to evaluate for effect modification between DM, a newly discovered prostate cancer susceptibility locus on chromosome 17q12 (single nucleotide polymorphism rs4430796) and prostate cancer features.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn 593 genotyped men treated with radical prostatectomy (RP), we examined RP features stratified by DM and rs4430796 carrier status.RESULTSDespite a significantly higher body mass index among patients with DM, individual pathological features were similar between men with and without DM. Using a dominant model, 17q12 carriers were less likely to have DM and more likely to have a RP Gleason score of ≥7. However, the presence or absence of DM did not modify the relationship between 17q12 susceptibility alleles and pathological features.CONCLUSIONAmong 17q12 risk allele carriers, there was no significant relationship between DM and adverse tumour features. However, there were relatively few men with DM (7%) in our RP cohort, particularly compared with its 21% prevalence in the USA population aged >60 years. It is unclear whether this reflects selection bias, genetic protection from prostate cancer among patients with DM, or both. Despite these limitations, the present data suggest that DM alone does not appear to modify any association between 17q12 risk alleles with prostate cancer features.
The Sonoran Desert’s Domestic Bracero Programme: Institutional Actors and the Creation of Labour Migration Streams
Authors: Chávez Sergio 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis paper traces the journeys of male migrants to Empalme, Sonora, Mexico to uncover the development of the often overlooked domestic bracero programme that operated in conjunction with its well‐known international equivalent. Drawing on interviews and observations with ex‐braceros who met at a park near the Mexico‐US border, I examine their experiences and participation in Mexico’s domestic bracero program, an unintended and unexplored consequence of its international counterpart. The study shows how regulation and control were constantly reinvented at every step of the selection process by state actors and their affiliates in Mexico. The paper reveals how the oversupply of labour and modernization of agriculture in Sonora resulted in the development of a migration industry where local municipal leaders, coyotes, the state, and Mexican agribusiness capitalized from men’s displacement. The migration industry during the bracero selection process controlled who gained access to the United States labour market by capturing migrant labour en route to the United States in the process fueling a thriving cotton industry in the otherwise stagnant Sonoran Desert economy. The study concludes by taking the lessons from the historic domestic bracero programme to show one instance in which internal and international labour markets were closely interwoven. In the end, I call for more research that examines the relationship between markets on both sides of the border that uncovers how networks are not only structured by personal ties but also by state and market relations.
Accuracy of a newly developed integrated system for dental implant planning
Authors: Dreiseidler Timo , Neugebauer Jörg , Ritter Lutz , Lingohr Thea , Rothamel Daniel , Mischkowski Robert A. , Zöller Joachim E. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the accuracy of the first integrated system for cone‐beam CT (CBCT) imaging, dental implant planning and surgical template‐aided implant placement.Materials and methods: On the basis of CBCT scans, a total of 54 implant positions were planned for 10 partially edentulous anatomical patient‐equivalent models. Surgical guides were ordered from the manufacturer (SICAT). Two different types of guidance were assessed: for assessment of the SICAT system inherent accuracy vendor's titanium sleeves of 2 mm internal diameter and 5 mm length were utilized for pilot drills. The guide sleeves of the NobelGuide system were implemented for fully guided surgery and implant insertion. Deviations perpendicular to the implant axes at the crestal and apical end, as well as the angle deviations between the virtual planning data and the surgical results, were measured utilizing a follow‐up CBCT investigation and referential marker‐based registration.Results: The SICAT system inherent mean deviation rates for the drilled pilot osteotomies were determined to be smaller than 500 μm even at the apical end. Mean angle deviations of 1.18° were determined. Utilizing the NobelGuide sleeve‐in‐sleeve system for fully guided implant insertion in combination with the investigated template technology enabled to insert dental implants with the same accuracy. Crestal deviations, in general, were significantly lower than the apical deviations.Conclusion: Although hardly comparable due to different study designs and measurement strategies, the investigated SICAT system's inherent accuracy corresponds to the most favourable results for computer‐aided surgery systems published so far. In combination with the NobelGuide surgical set for fully guided insertion, the same accuracy level could be maintained for implant positioning.
Antibiotic prophylaxis for children at risk of developing urinary tract infection: a systematic review
Authors: Mori Rintaro , Fitzgerald Anita , Williams Craig , Tullus Kjell , Verrier‐Jones Kate , Lakhanpaul Monica 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground:  Antibiotic prophylaxis in children who have had urinary tract infection (UTI) to prevent further infection is a common practice. The aim of this study is to reduce the development of further renal scarring by the prevention of recurrent acute pyelonephritis.Methods:  A systematic review of randomized controlled trials assessing effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in children who have recovered from a symptomatic UTI and children in whom vesico‐ureteric reflux has been identified independent of a history of acute UTI was carried out by systematic search in Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and CINAHL using keywords and thesaurus terms. Identified trials were independently appraised by two researchers. Data were extracted and synthesized in meta‐analyses.Results:  A total of 677 children in eight trials were included in the analyses. There was no evidence of difference on meta‐analysis of all the included studies, or any of the four subgroups, between the intervention and control groups in recurrence of symptomatic UTI [four trials, RR 0.96 (95% CI: 0.69–1.32]) and incidence of new or progressive renal scarring [four trials, overall RR 1.15 (95% CI: 0.75–1.78)].Conclusion:  Given the lack of evidence on positive benefit of using prophylactic antibiotics for children at risk of developing UTI, routine use of antibiotics for these children is not recommended.
Identity Theories
Authors: Polger Thomas W. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIdentity theories are those that hold that ‘sensations are brain processes’. In particular, they hold that mental/psychological state kinds are identical to brain/neuroscientific state kinds. In this paper, I isolate and explain some of the key features of contemporary identity theories. They are then contrasted with the main live alternatives by means of considering the two most important lines of objection to identity theories.