bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surrogacy and persistence in reserve selection: landscape prioritization for multiple taxa in Britain
Authors: Franco Aldina M. A. , Anderson Barbara J. , Roy David B. , Gillings Simon , Fox Richard , Moilanen Atte , Thomas Chris D. 
Published: December 2008

Summary

A principal goal of protected‐area networks is to maintain viable populations of as many species as possible, particularly those that are vulnerable to environmental change outside reserves. Ideally, one wants to be able to protect all biodiversity when selecting priority areas for conservation.
Using the area‐prioritization algorithm ZONATION, we identified the locations where UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) species of mammals, birds, herptiles, butterflies and plants occur in concentrated populations with high connectivity. Both these features are likely to be correlated with population persistence. The analyses were successful in maintaining a high proportion of the connectivity of narrow‐range species, and large total amounts of the connectivity of wider‐range species over 10% of the land surface of Great Britain.
Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP – high priority) species of one taxonomic group were not particularly good surrogates (indicators) for BAP species of other taxonomic groups. Hence, maintaining population concentrations of one taxonomic group did not guarantee doing likewise for other taxa.
Species with narrow geographic ranges were most effective at predicting conservation success for other species, probably because they represent the range of environmental conditions required by other species.
Synthesis and applications. This study identifies landscape‐scale priority areas for conservation of priority species from several taxonomic groups, using the Zonation software. ‘Indicator groups’ were only partially successful as predictors of priority areas for other taxonomic groups, and therefore, the identification of priority areas for biodiversity conservation should include information from all taxonomic groups available. Larger areas should be protected to account for species not included in the analyses. Conservation solutions based on data for many different species, and particularly those species with narrowly defined ranges, appear to be most effective at protecting other rare taxa.
Demographics and landscape features determine intrariver population structure in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): the case of the River Moy in Ireland
Authors: DILLANE E. , MCGINNITY P. , COUGHLAN J. P. , CROSS M. C. , DE EYTO E. , KENCHINGTON E. , PRODÖHL P. , CROSS T. F. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractContemporary genetic structure of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in the River Moy in Ireland is shown here to be strongly related to landscape features and population demographics, with populations being defined largely by their degree of physical isolation and their size. Samples of juvenile salmon were collected from the 17 major spawning areas on the river Moy and from one spawning area in each of five smaller nearby rivers. No temporal allele frequency differences were observed within locations for 12 microsatellite loci, whereas nearly all spatial samples differed significantly, suggesting that each was a separate population. Bayesian clustering and landscape genetic analyses suggest that these populations can be combined hierarchically into five genetically informative larger groupings. Lakes were found to be the single most important determinant of the observed population structure. Spawning area size was also an important factor. The salmon population of the closest nearby river resembled genetically the largest Moy population grouping. In addition, we showed that anthropogenic influences on spawning habitats, in this case arterial drainage, can affect relationships between populations. Our results show that Atlantic salmon biodiversity can be largely defined by geography, and thus, knowledge of landscape features (for example, as characterized within Geographical Information Systems) has the potential to predict population structure in other rivers without an intensive genetic survey, or at least to help direct sampling. This approach of combining genetics and geography, for sampling and in subsequent statistical analyses, has wider application to the investigation of population structure in other freshwater/anadromous fish species and possibly in marine fish and other organisms.
Population fragmentation and major histocompatibility complex variation in the spotted suslik, Spermophilus suslicus
Authors: BIEDRZYCKA ALEKSANDRA , RADWAN JACEK 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe fragmentation of populations typically enhances depletion of genetic variation, but highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are thought to be under balancing selection and therefore retain polymorphism despite population bottlenecks. In this study, we investigate MHC DRB (class II) exon 2 variation in 14 spotted suslik populations from two regions differing in their degree of habitat fragmentation and gene flow. We found 16 alleles that segregated in a sample of 248 individuals. The alleles were highly divergent and revealed the hallmark signs of positive selection acting on them in the past, showing a significant excess of nonsynonymous substitutions. This excess was concentrated in putative antigen‐binding sites, which suggests that past selection was driven by pathogens. MHC diversity was significantly lower in fragmented western populations than in the eastern populations, characterized by significant gene flow. In contrast to neutral variation, amova did not reveal genetic differentiation between the two regions. This may indicate similar selective pressures shaping MHC variation in both regions until the recent past. However, MHC allelic richness within a population was correlated with that for microsatellites. FST outlier analyses have shown that population differentiation at DRB was neither higher nor lower than expected under neutrality. The results suggest that selection on MHC is not strong enough to counteract drift that results from recent fragmentation of spotted suslik populations.
Significant population structure and asymmetric gene flow patterns amidst expanding populations of Clinus cottoides (Perciformes, Clinidae): application of molecular data to marine conservation planning in South Africa
Authors: VON DER HEYDEN SOPHIE , PROCHAZKA KIM , BOWIE RAURI C. K. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract Clinus cottoides is a fish endemic to the coast of South Africa, predominantly inhabiting rock pools. All South African clinids are viviparous, but probably breed throughout the year; as such, their dispersal may be limited, unlike species with pelagic larval stages. We analysed 343 fish from 14 localities on the west, south and east coasts using two mitochondrial genes and the second intron of the S7 ribosomal gene. Mitochondrial DNA analyses recovered significant genetic differentiation between fish populations from the east coast and other sampling locations, with a second break found between Gansbaai and Cape Agulhas on the south coast. Nuclear DNA recovered shallower, but significant, levels of population structure. Coalescent analyses suggested remarkably asymmetrical gene flow between sampling locations, suggesting that the cold Atlantic Benguela Current and Indian Ocean Agulhas counter‐current play important roles in facilitating dispersal. There was no gene flow between the east coast and the other sites, suggesting that these populations are effectively isolated. Divergence times between them were estimated to at least 68 000 years. Neutrality tests and mismatch distributions suggest recent population expansions, with the exception of peripheral western and eastern populations (possibly a consequence of environmental extremes at the edge of the species distribution). Analyses of the current South African marine protected areas network show that it is not connected and that De Hoop, one of South Africa's largest marine reserves, appears to be an important source population of recruits to both the south and southwest coasts.
Role of male‐biased dispersal in inbreeding avoidance in the grey‐sided vole (Myodes rufocanus)
Authors: ISHIBASHI YASUYUKI , SAITOH TAKASHI 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEffects of male‐biased dispersal on inbreeding avoidance were investigated in a semi‐natural population ofMyodes(formerlyClethrionomys)rufocanususing a large outdoor enclosure (3 ha). Parentage of 918 voles weaned from 215 litters and relatedness of mates were analysed using microsatellite loci, and dispersal distances were obtained from mark–recapture live‐trapping data. Natal and breeding male‐biased dispersal was observed. There remained, however, chances that incestuous mating could occur, because not all males dispersed from their natal site, and 51 matings occurred between relatives (relatednessr > 0). The number of weaned juveniles from inbred litters was significantly smaller than that from non‐inbred litters. Fourteen incestuous matings occurred between close relatives (r ≥ 0.25), most of which were those between non‐littermate maternal half siblings (four cases) and those between paternal half siblings (seven cases). When comparing the observed frequencies to the expected ones generated by combining every oestrous female with a male randomly chosen from her surroundings, the observed values for inbreeding ofr ≥ 0.25 were significantly smaller than the expectations, while no difference was observed for inbreeding of 0 < r < 0.25. These results suggest that male‐biased dispersal is partly effective to avoid incestuous mating, but it does not provide complete separation of male and female close relatives. Additional mechanisms such as kin discrimination based on familiarity may work in inbreeding avoidance of the vole.
Usefulness of serum IgG4 in the diagnosis and follow up of autoimmune pancreatitis: A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Morselli‐Labate Antonio M , Pezzilli Raffaele 
Published: December 2008

AbstractHigh circulating serum immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels have been proposed as a marker of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). The aim of the present study was to review the data existing in the English literature on the usefulness of the IgG4 serum levels in the diagnosis and follow up of patients with AIP. A total of 159 patients with AIP and 1099 controls were described in seven selected papers reporting the usefulness of serum IgG4 in diagnosing AIP. In total, 304 controls had pancreatic cancer, 96 had autoimmune diseases, and the remaining 699 had other conditions. The summary receiver–operating characteristic curve analysis was carried out by means of Meta‐DiSc open‐access software. Serum IgG4 showed good accuracy in distinguishing between AIP and the overall controls, pancreatic cancer and other autoimmune diseases (area under the curve [± SE]: 0.920 ± 0.073, 0.914 ± 0.191, and 0.949 ± 0.024, respectively). The studies analyzed showed significantly heterogeneous specificity values in each of the three analyses performed. The analysis of the four studies comparing AIP and pancreatic cancers also showed significantly heterogeneous values of sensitivities and odds ratios. Regarding the usefulness of IgG4 as a marker of efficacy of steroid treatment, a decrease in the serum concentrations of IgG4 was found in the four available studies. The serum IgG4 subclass is a good marker of AIP, and its determination should be included in the diagnostic workup of this disease. However, the heterogeneity of the studies published until now means that more studies are necessary in order to better evaluate the true accuracy of IgG4 in discriminating AIP versus other autoimmune diseases.
Biopsy site for detecting Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Kim Chan Gyoo , Choi Il Ju , Lee Jong Yeul , Cho Soo‐Jeong , Nam Byung‐Ho , Kook Myeong‐Cherl , Hong Eun Kyung , Kim Young‐Woo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori eradication is recommended in post‐gastric cancer resection, but premalignant changes may prevent the detection of H. pylori. The aim of this study was to determine appropriate biopsy site for detecting H. pylori in gastric cancer patients.Materials and Methods:  Consecutive patients (194) with gastric adenocarcinoma were prospectively enrolled. Helicobacter pylori was evaluated by serology, histology and rapid urease test. Biopsy sites included antrum lesser curvature, upper body lesser curvature (UBLC) and upper body greater curvature (UBGC). Two biopsy specimens were obtained from each site for histological examination. One additional specimen was obtained from UBGC for the rapid urease test.Results:  The overall infection rate of H. pylori was 84.0% (95% CI 78.9–89.2). The sensitivity of histology for detecting H. pylori at various sites was: antrum (54.9%; 95% CI 45.7–63.9), UBLC (80.3%; 95% CI 72.2–87.0) and UBGC (95.1%; 95% CI 89.6–98.2). Specificities of all three biopsy sites were more than 95%. Sensitivity and specificity of the rapid urease test performed at UBGC were 96% and 100%, respectively. Sensitivities of histology decreased in correlation with increasing severity of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia (both P < 0.001 using the chi‐square test for trend). The proportions of moderate to marked atrophy/intestinal metaplasia at UBGC (12.8%/14.7%) were significantly lower than those at antrum (50.0%/57.8%, P < 0.001 respectively) or UBLC (40.0%/48.9%, P < 0.001 respectively).Conclusions:  The UBGC side is the most sensitive and specific biopsy site to detect H. pylori in gastric cancer patients due to less frequent atrophy and intestinal metaplasia than at the antrum or UBLC side.
Spreading antibiotic resistance through spread manure: characteristics of a novel plasmid type with low %G+C content
Authors: Heuer Holger , Kopmann Christoph , Binh Chu T. T. , Top Eva M. , Smalla Kornelia 
Published: December 2008

SummaryBioactive amounts of antibiotics as well as resistant bacteria reach the soil through manure fertilization. We investigated plasmids that may stimulate the environmental spread and interspecies transfer of antibiotic resistance. After treatment of two soils with manure, either with or without the sulfonamide antibiotic sulfadiazine, a significant increase in copies of the sulfonamide resistance gene sul2 was detected by qPCR. All sul2 carrying plasmids, captured in Escherichia coli from soil, belonged to a novel class of self‐transferable replicons. Manuring and sulfadiazine significantly increased the abundance of this replicon type in a chemically fertilized but not in an annually manured soil, as determined by qPCR targeting a transfer gene. Restriction patterns and antibiograms showed a considerable diversity within this novel plasmid group. Analysis of three complete plasmid sequences revealed a conserved 30 kbp backbone with only 36% G+C content, comprised of transfer and maintenance genes with moderate homology to plasmid pIPO2 and a replication module (rep and oriV) of other descent. The plasmids differed in composition of the 27.0–28.3 kbp accessory region, each of which carried ISCR2 and several resistance genes. Acinetobacter spp. was identified as a potential host of such LowGC‐type plasmids in manure and soil.
TESTICULAR TUMOURS: LATE RESULTS OF RADICAL SURGERY1
Authors: Adams A. Wilfrid 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe late results i n five cases of radical orchidectomy for testicular seminoma are reported. One had radiotherapy also. Eleven or more years later all are alive and well, are clinically free from recurrence with negative Friedman tests. testicular cancer, are also described.Two examples of differential diagnosis, one a mimic of and the other masked
The Sonographic Appearance of Irradiated Prostate Cancer
Authors: Egawa S. , WHEELER T. M. , SCARDINO P. T. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Transrectal ultrasonography of the prostate was performed before radical prostatectomy in 22 patients with persistent or recurrent cancer after definitive radiotherapy. Serial transverse sonograms were compared with whole‐mount step‐sections of the prostatectomy specimens to evaluate the sonographic features of irradiated prostate cancer. To define more clearly the effects of radiation on malignant prostatic tissue, we assessed the degree of histological change induced by the irradiation (radiation effects) as none, mild, moderate or severe. A total of 121 areas of cancer >4mm in maximum diameter were identified on the histological sections. Of these, 105 (87%) showed no radiation effects or mild effects, and 72% (76/105) of these appeared hypoechoic on the corresponding sonogram. There were 16 foci with moderate or severe radiation effects and only 25% (4/16) appeared hypoechoic. The remaining 12 foci were isoechoic.Areas of cancer which show moderate or severe radiation effects tend to become isoechoic while large (>4mm) foci of cancer in the irradiated prostate usually show little radiation effect, and these foci typically appear hypoechoic.
Colour Duplex Sonography in the Assessment of Impotence
Authors: CHIANG P. H. , CHIANG C. P. , WU C. C. , WANG C. J. , CHEN M. T. , HUANG C. H. , WU D. K. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— We present our experience with colour duplex sonography (Acuson 128) in the assessment of 83 impotent men. Cavernosal artery measurements were taken before and after the intracorporeal injection of papaverine. The peak velocities following papaverine injection correlated well with the degree of clinical response. Percentage diameter change corresponded with some groups of clinical erection grade, although it was not as good a discriminator as peak velocity.Twelve patients with 24 cavernosal arteries were also examined using pharmacological selective arteriography. Correlation between duplex sonography and arteriography showed an accuracy of 87.5%, specificity of 100.0% and sensitivity of 82.4%.All patients with a clinically good response following papaverine injection had peak bilateral cavernosal artery velocities ≥ 25 cm/s. Amongst the remaining suboptimal responders, 18 also had this finding. Fifteen of these underwent pharmacological cavernosography and 14 exhibited venous leakage.Duplex sonography is a valuable and non‐invasive tool in the assessment of impotence and can provide valuable information in deciding the course of further evaluation and treatment. The procedure was always completed more quickly with the guidance of colour Doppler.
Lord's Procedure—the Best Operation for Hydrocele?
Authors: ALBRECHT W. , HÖLTL W. , AHARINEJAD S. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— A prospective study was carried out to compare Lord's hydrocele operation with traditional surgical procedures. The groups of patients investigated were comparable in terms of age, period of observation, number of previous aspirations and size of hydrocele.The incidence of isolated hydrocele of the spermatic cord, as well as epididymal cysts, was lower in the patients who underwent Lord's procedure (7.2 versus 15.8%), as was the percentage of patients reporting post‐operative pain for more than 3 days (4.3 versus 15.8%, p < 0.05).
Screening for Prostate Cancer. Comparison of Transrectal Ultrasound, Prostate Specific Antigen and Rectal Examination
Authors: PERRIN P. , MAQUET J. H. , BRINGEON G. , DEVONEC M. 
Published: December 2008

Summary In seeking to define the relative value of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), prostate specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer, 863 patients were studied and the findings compared.DRE detected malignancy in 0.3% of the population of asymptomatic “normal” men undergoing routine health screening, and in 1.6% of patients who consulted their General Practitioner for one reason or another. In patients who attended our out‐patient department with a variety of urological symptoms (not necessarily prostatic), TRUS suggested malignancy in 2% of those glands which were pronounced normal on DRE. Significantly elevated PSA detected malignancy in 0.3% of the patients undergoing routine health screening. (Although this figure equals the pick‐up rate by DRE in this group, they were not necessarily the same patients). When these 3 investigations are summated, the pick‐up rate is twice as high as when a single parameter is used.
Histology of Testicular Biopsies taken at Operation for Bilateral Maldescended Testes in Relation to Fertility in Adulthood
Authors: CORTES DINA , THORUP J. 
Published: December 2008

Summary A total of 91 boys underwent bilateral orchiopexy with testicular biopsy. The percentage of tubular transverse sections containing spermatogonia, the fertility index (FI) and the number of spermatogonia per tubular transverse section (S/T) were measured and expressed as a percentage of the minimum normal value (FI% and S/T%, respectively). The maximum and mean of the 2 FI% and S/T% values were noted for each patient.At follow‐up, testicular volume was measured in 73 men; 71 of these gave a blood sample for FSH and 67 provided specimens of semen for analysis. The maximum and the mean FI% and S/T% values of the patients were positively correlated to maximal sperm density and to volume of pair of testes and negatively correlated to serum FSH.It seems reasonable to use these histological parameters as prognostic indices of fertility potential. In adulthood only 11 patients had sperm density ≥20 million/ml, 37 had normal serum FSH and 29 had bilateral testicular volume ≥ 15 ml.Patients with both testes originally placed in the superficial inguinal pouch at surgical exploration had a higher maximal sperm density than the rest of the study group.
Badenoch's Pull‐through Procedure in the Management of Urethrorectal Fistulae
Authors: SINGH P. B. , SARAF S. , KUNDU A. , KESARI P. K. , TRIPATHI V. N. P. 
Published: December 2008

Urethrorectal fistula resulting from iatrogenic trauma is a difficult urological problem and the many surgical procedures used in its management reveal the complexity of the disease and require extensive dissection and bowel interference.We have used Badenoch's pull‐through procedure in the management of a patient with urethrorectal fistula and suggest that it may provide a simpler alternative to the other methods.
Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction in Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Prolapse
Authors: O'FLYNN K. J. , MURPHY R. , THOMAS D. G. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— Lumbar disc prolapse with urinary dysfunction is an uncommon condition. The clinical, pathological and follow‐up details of 30 patients are presented. Detrusor recovery is rare and most patients are left with an areflexic bladder.Female patients with lumbar disc prolapse and an areflexic detrusor who strain to empty their bladders are likely to develop genuine stress incontinence. This may be managed by the early institution of intermittent self‐catheterisation, which may reduce the need for incontinence surgery.
Intravesical Foreign Bodies: Five‐year Review
Authors: ECKFORD S. D. , PERSAD R. A. , BREWSTER S. F. , GINGELL J. C. 
Published: December 2008

Summary— All manner of foreign bodies have been extracted from the bladder. Introduction into the bladder may be through self‐insertion, iatrogenic means or migration from adjacent organs. Extraction should be tailored according to the nature of the foreign body and should minimise bladder and urethral trauma. Complete extraction should also be confirmed by panendoscopy at the end of the extraction procedure.A 5‐year review of our experience in this field has been conducted and the management and complications of intravesical foreign bodies are described. Of the 15 patients presenting to this department, 11 presented acutely and 4 presented with chronic symptoms due to complications which arose later. The possibility of an intravesical foreign body should be considered in any patient with chronic unexplained lower urinary tract symptoms.