bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Badges of Status in Captive Male House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Relation to the Relative Ornamentation of Flock‐Mates
Authors: Laucht Silke , Dale James 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe development of quality signals is expected to be largely influenced by environmental conditions among which the social environment could be an important factor, particularly in gregarious animals. Here, we investigated the role of the presumed social environment on the development of badge size in moulting male House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) over a 3‐yr time span. House Sparrow badges are testosterone‐dependent ornaments that are typically argued to be ‘badges of status’ –that is, signals of competitive ability and aggression. Immediately prior to moult, we created several groups of males, either with similarly sized badges or with badges of different sizes, and we measured each male's badge size before and after moult. The former groups were presumed to have a less clear social hierarchy than the latter groups because of group members advertising relatively similar competitive ability (and thus were expected to more frequently challenge one another in order to establish dominance). Conversely, the latter groups were presumed to have relatively higher social stability because birds would less frequently encounter rivals advertising similar agonistic threat. We predicted in groups of birds with similarly sized badges, both (1) larger changes (i.e. increases or decreases) in badge sizes and (2) higher increases in between‐individual variation within groups. The first prediction was supported in one of the 3 yrs, but there was no support for the second prediction in any year. We conclude that social environment has an effect on the development of badges of status, but that it is highly contingent on the specific nature and timing of group interactions.
Late diagnosis of ectodermal dysplasia syndrome
Authors: Granger Robert H , Marshman Gillian , Liu Lu , McGrath John A 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThis case study reports the clinical, skin biopsy and molecular findings in a 56‐year‐old Filipino man with the autosomal recessive ectodermal dysplasia disorder, Schöpf‐Schulz‐Passarge syndrome, the precise nature of which was established only after reading of a similar case in this journal. In addition to the late diagnosis, successful clinical management of his acral hyperkeratosis and ulceration has been difficult, with oral retinoids exacerbating the skin fragility.
Extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva: An annotated review of the current literature
Authors: Delport Elsie Sophia 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTExtramammary Paget's disease is a rare and unusual neoplastic entity that presents mainly on apocrine gland‐bearing skin. The vulva is the most common site of involvement but any area of the anogenital skin can be affected. Due to its rarity, variable clinical course and deceptive histological appearance it has a high misdiagnosis rate and both gynaecologists and dermatologists have limited experience in its management. The significance of the disease lies in its association with underlying malignancy as well as its inherent ability to invade the dermis and metastasise. The management is notoriously complicated and recurrence rates are high despite aggressive surgeries. Several alternative modalities are being explored, with results that are often variable and unpredictable. This review summarises the histopathological, clinical and therapeutic features of extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva reported in recent years.
The spectrum of spitzoid tumours: A clinical study
Authors: Hafiji Juber , Rytina Ed , Burrows Nigel P 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThis study explores the relationship between different types of spitzoid tumours, spindle cell naevus of Reed and spitzoid melanomas. Clinical and histopathological data were retrospectively reviewed from our hospital database in Cambridge from January 2006 to July 2009. Clinical images, where available, were recorded. Search headings from our pathology database included ‘spitzoid tumours’, ‘Spitz naevi’, ‘atypical spitzoid tumours’, spitzoid tumours of uncertain malignant potential (‘STUMP’), ‘spindle cell naevus of Reed’ and ‘spitzoid melanomas’. The total number of spitzoid tumours was 118 comprising Spitz naevi (72), atypical spitzoid tumours (30), spitzoid melanomas (eight), and other naevi with spitzoid features (eight). In total, 60% of Spitz naevi were diagnosed clinically and 50% reported a history of change with spitzoid melanoma, compared with 32% with Spitz naevi. In all, 60% of Spitz naevi and atypical spitzoid tumours were pigmented in contrast with spitzoid melanomas (83%). Variegated pigmentation was found in 20% of Spitz naevi and atypical spitzoid tumours, however, no spitzoid melanomas had mixed pigmentation. There were 30 atypical spitzoid tumours (9 M : 21 F); 16 occurred on the lower limbs, peaking in the 20–30‐years age group. There were eight patients with spitzoid melanomas with a 7:1 F : M ratio, 50% of which were diagnosed clinically. Of the 34 spindle cell naevus of Reed (10 M : 24 F), 31 were misdiagnosed, most commonly as melanoma. Reed naevi peaked in the 30–40 year age group and on the upper limbs and lower limbs in the 20–30‐years age group. In summary, age and sex appeared helpful in distinguishing benign from malignant spitzoid tumours, however history was less discriminatory. Spitzoid melanomas, most of which were pigmented occurred more commonly in females. Atypical spitzoid tumours were more common in females and pathologists favoured malignancy in this group beyond 20 years of age.
Anthropogenic changes to the landscape resulted in colonization of koalas in north‐east New South Wales, Australia
Authors: LEE KRISTEN E. , ELLIS WILLIAM A. H. , CARRICK FRANK N. , CORLEY SEAN W. , JOHNSTON STEPHEN D. , BAVERSTOCK PETER R. , NOCK CATHERINE J. , ROWE KEVIN C. , SEDDON JENNIFER M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractSignificant changes in the distribution and persistence of species have been driven by Pleistocene cyclical climate changes and, more recently, by human modification of the environment. In eastern Australia, Pleistocene cyclical patterns in temperature and aridity led to the expansion and retraction of rainforest and likely affected the distribution of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus, family Phascolarctidae), a species preferring dry or open woodland. More recently, anthropogenic landscape modification has led to a large‐scale change in distribution of the koala following the destruction of approx. 75 000 ha of subtropical rainforest in north‐east New South Wales termed the ‘Big Scrub’. Sharing of the control region haplotypes to the north and south of this region indicate historical connectivity of coastal koala populations. However, the majority (110/115) of sampled koalas from this region shared a single mitochondrial control region haplotype, suggesting that koalas did not persist in multiple refugial pockets within a heterogenous rainforest but expanded into the region following deforestation. Bayesian cluster analysis of microsatellite data consistently identified two clusters of koalas. One cluster, in the north of the area, had high microsatellite diversity (10 alleles per locus, He = 0.79) and clustered with koalas further to the north, thus suggesting a southerly expansion into the cleared area. To the south was a cluster with significantly lower diversity (six alleles per locus, He = 0.59,P < 0.001). It is possible there has been restricted or filtered movement of koalas between these clusters, which coincides with a cleared river valley and associated roads or immigration from populations both to the north and to the south. This study gives an insight into the timescale of changes in species distribution following rapid alterations to suitable habitat.
New antireflux self‐expandable metal stent for malignant lower biliary obstruction: In vitro and in vivo preliminary study
Authors: Kim Dong Uk , Kwon Chang‐Il , Kang Dae Hwan , Ko Kwang Hyun , Hong Sung Pyo 
Published: June 2012

AimAntireflux plastic biliary stents prevent duodenal biliary reflux and improve the stent patency rate. However, the efficacy of the antireflux valve in a self‐expandable metal stent (SEMS) for a malignant biliary obstruction has not been well established. We evaluated the efficacy of a SEMS with an antireflux valve using in vitro flow studies and determined the impact of reducing duodenobiliary reflux on the stent patency rate.MethodsIn vitro testing was conducted using a bile perfusion system to evaluate the antegrade and retrograde flow resistance, and to determine the ideal shape for the valve. Then, a prospective case series in humans was conducted with an adequately designed SEMS with an antireflux valve.ResultsDuring the study period, five patients with an unresectable non‐hilar malignant biliary obstruction underwent insertion of a SEMS with an antireflux valve. Placement of the SEMS with anantireflux valve was successful on the first attempt in all patients, and no procedure‐related complications occurred. Follow up was obtained in all cases. Serum bilirubin level did not decrease to the normal range within 1 month in four patients. Stent occlusions occurred in all four patients as a result of valve malfunctions due to sludge impaction or a clog. Therefore, the study was terminated early due to unexpected results.ConclusionSEMS with an antireflux valve was ineffective in patients with non‐hilar malignant biliary obstruction due to limitations on current stent technology.
Exposed blood vessels of more than 2 mm in diameter are a risk factor for rebleeding after endoscopic clipping hemostasis for hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcer
Authors: Ishikawa Shigenao , Inaba Tomoki , Wato Masaki , Takashima Shiho , Mizushige Tomoko , Izumikawa Kouichi , Miyoshi Masatsugu , Kawai Kozo 
Published: June 2012

Background and aimThere are few clinical studies on the risk factors for rebleeding based on the endoscopic hemostatic procedure carried out, including ulcer characteristics such as exposed blood vessels. The present study aims to clarify the risk factors for rebleeding after endoscopic clipping hemostasis for hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcers.MethodsA retrospective study was carried out with data collected during the 10‐year period from January 2000 to December 2009 for 312 consecutive patients with hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcer. Two hundred and ninety‐three patients (216 men and 77 women; mean age, 67.0 ± 15.0 years) who underwent endoscopic clipping as the initial hemostatic treatment were analyzed. The risk factors for rebleeding were determined by comparing 271 patients who did not rebleed after initial treatment with 22 patients who developed rebleeding.ResultsThe success rate of initial clipping hemostasis was 100%; however, rebleeding occurred in 7.5% (22/293) and a multivariate analysis identified exposed blood vessels of more than 2 mm in diameter as independent risk factors for rebleeding (P = 0.0124, odds ratio 6.25 [95% CI: 1.53–13.62]).ConclusionsEndoscopic clipping monotherapy is effective for hemorrhagic gastroduodenal ulcers; however, exposed blood vessels of more than 2 mm in diameter in the initial endoscopic procedure are a risk factor for rebleeding.
Cognitive impairments and functional declines in older adults at high risk for care needs
Authors: Umegaki Hiroyuki , Suzuki Yusuke , Yanagawa Madoka , Nonogaki Zen , Nakashima Hirotaka , Kuzuya Masufumi , Endo Hidetoshi 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Functional status of those who have very mild cognitive impairment have not been sufficiently investigated. In the current study, we analyzed the characteristics of functional awareness in older adults who had cognitive impairment and were at high risk of requiring support/care (termed as specified elderly at high risk for care needs in the long‐term care insurance scheme).Methods:  The answers of a health check, which is provided by the local municipal government for those aged 75 years or older who have not been certified as eligible for care services, were analyzed. The differences of the variables between the two groups regarding yes/no answers to each of three cognition‐related questions were analyzed. Then, a multiple logistic analysis was carried out to investigate the association of yes/no answers of the three cognition‐related questions and the awareness of functional decline.Results:  The participants who had cognitive impairment had greater awareness of functional declines. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that subjective memory impairment and disorientation were significantly associated with a wider range of awareness of functional decline.Conclusions:  Subjective cognitive impairment was associated with a wide range of awareness of functional decline in older adults at high risk for care need. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 77–82.
Characteristics of cognitive function in early and late stages of amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Doi Takehiko , Shimada Hiroyuki , Makizako Hyuma , Yoshida Daisuke , Shimokata Hiroshi , Ito Kengo , Washimi Yukihiko , Endo Hidetoshi , Suzuki Takao 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  The detection of the early stages in amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is considered important in diagnosing progression to Alzheimer's disease. The current study sought to investigate differences in cognitive function between control subjects with no memory loss (control), and subjects in the early stage of aMCI (EMCI) and late stage of aMCI (LMCI).Methods:  A total of 100 community‐dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over were recruited from 1543 potential subjects. Subjects were classified into three groups based on the degree of objective memory impairment; control (n = 29), EMCI (n = 34) and LMCI (n = 37). Multiple neuropsychological tests were carried out to examine cognitive function.Results:  The EMCI individuals showed lower cognitive function relative to controls; not only in logical memory, but also in letter fluency (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in neuropsychological scores between the EMCI and LMCI groups, except for category fluency and logical memory. In addition, the EMCI subjects' logical memory score showed a significant relationship with letter fluency, category fluency and digit span backward test performance (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  These results suggest that the application of multiple neuropsychological tests might be useful in diagnosing older adults with EMCI and LMCI. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 83–89.
Hepcidin and erythropoietin measurements in the cord blood of neonates with meconium‐stained amniotic fluid
Authors: Gun Eryilmaz Ozlem , Tavil Betul , Turan Serpil , Yumusak Omer , Doganay Melike , Uzunlar Ozlem , Akar Serra , Eyi Elif Gul 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim:  To compare hepcidin and erythropoietin levels in the cord blood of neonates with meconium‐stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) to levels obtained from age‐, body mass index‐ and gravidity‐matched neonates with clear amniotic fluid.Methods:  A cross‐sectional controlled study was conducted in secondary and tertiary care centers. Cord blood samples of 40 neonates following term gestations (≥37 weeks' gestation) with MSAF and 40 maternal age‐, body mass index‐ and gravidity‐matched controls with clear amniotic fluid were analyzed in this study. Demographic data, delivery outcomes and laboratory evaluations were recorded.Results:  Cord blood pH levels were lower in fetuses with MSAF when compared to those with clear amniotic fluid (P = 0.0001). Fetuses with MSAF had higher cord blood erythropoietin levels in comparison to those with clear amniotic fluid (P = 0.0001). Delivery outcomes and hepcidin measurements were similar in both groups.Conclusions:  We demonstrated a significant relationship between erythropoietin levels and meconium passage, but failed to show the existence of a relationship between hepcidin levels and meconium passage.
Roles of microRNA‐34a in the pathogenesis of placenta accreta
Authors: Umemura Kota , Ishioka Shin‐ichi , Endo Toshiaki , Ezaka Yoshiaki , Takahashi Madoka , Saito Tsuyoshi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim:  MicroRNA‐34a (miR‐34a) is associated with invasion and metastasis of various cancers. The trophoblastic cells of placenta accreta invade into the myometrium in a similar way to the invasion of cancers. We studied the roles of miR‐34a in the pathogenesis of placenta accreta.Methods:  The human choriocarcinoma cell line JAR was used for in vitro experiments as a model of trophoblasts, and placental tissues from the operative specimen of patients with or without placenta accreta were used for experiments in vivo. Morpholino antisense oligomer against miR‐34a (miR‐34a Morpho/AS) was added to JAR, and the expression of miR‐34a and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) was determined by real time PCR. The effects of antisense, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 in the process of invasion were studied with an invasion assay. Expression of miR‐34a in vivo was studied with the use of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).Results:  Expression of miR‐34a was inhibited by 65% with the administration of antisense, and a slight increase in miR‐34a expression was observed with the addition of IL‐6 and IL‐8. PAI‐1 expression decreased with the addition of IL‐6 and IL‐8, and increased with the administration of antisense. There was an increase in invasive capacity through the inhibition of miR‐34a expression. Strong FISH expression of miR‐34a was observed in trophoblast cells of non‐placenta accreta, and a clear decrease in miR‐34a expression was observed in those of placenta accreta.Conclusions:  Expression of miR‐34a was downregulated in placenta accreta. In vitro experiments also showed that the invasive potential of JAR increased by suppressing miR‐34a, probably through the expression of PAI‐1.
Borderline mucinous ovarian tumor presenting as pseudo‐Meigs' syndrome
Authors: Chen Yueh‐Yi , Hsiao Sheng‐Mou , Hsu Yao‐Peng , Lin Ho‐Hsiung , Wei Ming‐Chow 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBorderline ovarian tumor with the initial presentation of pseudo‐Meigs' syndrome is rare. A 52‐year‐old postmenopausal woman presented with a large ovarian tumor, ascites, and right hydrothorax. We found elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigens (44.4 ng/mL), carbohydrate antigen (CA)‐125 (269.8 U/mL), and CA‐199 (7942 U/mL). The frozen section pathology revealed a mucinous borderline ovarian tumor, and a staging operation was performed. Final pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of intestinal type ovarian mucinous borderline tumor with non‐invasive cul‐de‐sac implants. Her pleural effusion and ascites resolved after surgery, and she remained tumor‐free after 3 years' follow up. Physicians should be cautious for the rare possibility of pseudo‐Meigs' syndrome in patients with pelvic tumors having the features of advanced ovarian cancer.
Successful pregnancy after the treatment of primary amenorrhea in a patient with non‐classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Purwana Indri N. , Kanasaki Haruhiko , Oride Aki , Miyazaki Kohji 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe describe a case of non‐classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) due to 21‐hydroxylase deficiency in a 30‐year‐old Japanese woman who achieved pregnancy after treatment of primary amenorrhea. Hirsutism and clitoromegaly were present. Ultrasound examination showed polycystic appearance of the ovary. Luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LH‐RH) test resulted in exaggerated LH response, showing a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pattern. The diagnosis was based on the elevated intial levels of 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (55 ng/mL) and dihydroepiandosterone (7780 ng/mL). The first withdrawal bleeding occurred within 6 weeks after treatment with hydrocortisone (20 mg/day) combined with conjugated estrogens (1.25 mg/day) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (10 mg/day), which were continued for five courses. The bleeding remained cyclic every 28 days with maintenance doses of hydrocortisone. Subsequently, ovulation was induced using clomiphene citrate (100 mg/day). Pregnancy was achieved at the second attempt of ovulation induction and was within 10 months after initial presentation. Continuing hydrocortisone, the patient delivered a healthy baby at term.
Reproductive outcome of couples with recurrent miscarriage and balanced chromosomal abnormalities
Authors: Kochhar Puneet Kaur , Ghosh Pranay 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim:  Despite known association of parental carriers of structural chromosomal rearrangements with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), the possibility of having a miscarriage due to an unbalanced chromosomal aberration remains unknown. There has been limited research on the reproductive outcome of such couples. The present study was done to report the distribution of structural chromosome rearrangements in patients experiencing RPL and to describe subsequent pregnancy outcomes in the carriers.Material and Methods:  Chromosomal analysis was performed on blood samples from 788 individuals with RPL and distribution of chromosomal anomalies was studied. In couples found to have chromosomal rearrangements, pregnancy outcomes were recorded over 2 years. In the subsequent pregnancy, cytogenetic analysis was done on amniotic fluid (obtained at 16–20 weeks), or on miscarriage specimens (in pregnancies that failed to continue).Results:  Chromosomal rearrangements were identified in 6.8% (54/788) cases (including 5.9% reciprocal translocations, 0.7% Robertsonian translocations, and 0.1% inversions). The risk of having a chromosomal aberration was not related to the number of previous miscarriages. Over the next 2 years, two‐thirds of the 49 documented pregnancies resulted in a normal live birth, and one‐third miscarried. Most miscarriages (56.2%) were euploid, two were trisomic and 12.5% had an unbalanced translocation.Conclusion:  In couples with no other cause of RPL other than a structural chromosomal rearrangement, nearly two‐thirds are likely to have a normal outcome in subsequent pregnancy. Couples with pure abortion histories carry higher risk for cytogenetic abnormality than couples with normal children in addition to abortions.
Apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio is a good predictive marker of metabolic syndrome and pre‐metabolic syndrome in Chinese adolescent women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Yin Qianqian , Chen Xiaoli , Li Lin , Zhou Ran , Huang Jia , Yang Dongzi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim:  The apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoB/ApoA1) ratio is well known to be related to metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components in adults of different races. There is low prevalence of MS but high occurrence of various metabolic disorders in Chinese adolescent women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We sought to assess if the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio can be used as a predictive marker of MS and pre‐MS in Chinese adolescent women with PCOS.Material and Methods:  This cross‐sectional study included 160 Chinese adolescent women. Based on International Diabetes Federation criteria for MS, patients who had no less than two components of MS but did not meet the criteria for the diagnosis of MS were considered as having pre‐MS.Results:  The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was higher in obese subjects with high free androgen index (FAI). The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio increased significantly as the number of MS components increased and provided 87.5% of sensitivity and 78.9% of specificity with a threshold value of 0.63 for MS, 86.2% of sensitivity and 79.4% of specificity with a threshold value of 0.58 for pre‐MS in Chinese adolescent women with PCOS.Conclusion:  The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was a good predictive marker of MS and pre‐MS in Chinese adolescent women with PCOS. FAI could be involved in obesity‐related metabolic abnormalities.