bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two modes of host–enemy coevolution
Authors: Kniskern J. , Rausher M. D. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe process of coevolution between host and enemy has traditionally been viewed as an evolutionary arms race between resistance and counterresistance. The arms‐race metaphor of coevolution is widely accepted because it explains the evolution of many characters in species involved in host–enemy interactions. However, molecular work in plant–pathogen systems suggests a coevolutionary interplay between plant recognition of an attacking pathogen and pathogen evasion from recognition. We refer to this process as information coevolution, and contrast this with arms race coevolution to show that these two processes result in very different patterns of host resistance and enemy virulence at the population level. First, information coevolution results in a lower proportion of hosts that are susceptible to enemy attack within a population. Second, information coevolution produces a pattern of local maladaptation of enemy on host, a naturally occurring phenomenon that is difficult to explain under arms race coevolution. We then conduct a literature review to survey the empirical support for either mode of coevolution using the predicted patterns of host resistance and enemy virulence. Evidence supports both modes of coevolution in plant–enemy interactions, whereas no support is found for information coevolution in vertebrate–parasite and invertebrate–parasite systems.
Age distribution, growth, and lifetime copulation frequency of a freshwater snail, Clithon retropictus (Neritidae)
Authors: Shigemiya Yusuke , Kato Makoto 
Published: April 2006

AbstractClithon retropictus is a prosobranch snail species that reproduces in freshwater but spends its veliger period in the sea. The age distribution of this snail was investigated at three sites along Takase River in Japan by counting annual growth lines on their shells. Also, copulation performance was examined using sheaths of spermatophores stored in the bursa copulatrix of females. A mark–recapture census demonstrated that the number of growth lines was a good indicator of the age of a snail. The maximum number of growth lines was 20, suggesting that this species is one of the most long‐lived freshwater gastropods. All the populations were female biased; the growth rate was higher and the life span was longer in females. Because spermatophore sheaths received by a female remained in her bursa copulatrix without being digested or discharged, the number of spermatophores implies her lifetime number of copulations. The number ranged from 0 to 91 and increased with age. Comparisons of population demonstrated that the average age was older, and the lifetime copulation number was significantly lower, at the upper stream site. These findings suggest that upstream migration had occurred only when the snails were very young and that copulation had been suppressed at the upstream site. The observed shorter longevity in males and the female‐biased sex ratio are thought to be a result of the high cost paid by the male in multiple copulation.
Preference and performance linkage of a leaf‐mining moth on different Salicaceae species
Authors: Kagata Hideki , Ohgushi Takayuki 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe relationship between oviposition prefer‐ence and offspring performance of a leaf‐mining moth (Paraleucoptera sinuella) on four Salicaceae species was investigated in 1997 and 1998. We observed the egg distribution pattern on different plant species in the field and carried out oviposition experiments in the laboratory to determine the preference of ovipositing females. We also examined larval survival, pupal mass, and developmental time to compare larval performance on each plant species. Egg density in the field differed significantly among plant species. However, egg density was not correlated exactly with demonstrated oviposition preference. No larvae could develop on two Salix species. This finding indicated that larval survival is the most critical index of larval performance. Larval performance on each plant species was correlated well with oviposition preference that was revealed by a no‐choice experiment in the laboratory. However, this correlation was not found in the field. These results indicate that the preference–performance linkage that was observed under laboratory conditions, was not always maintained in the field.
Influence of CO2 Pneumoperitoneum on Systemic and Peritoneal Cell‐mediated Immunity
Authors: Evrard Serge , Falkenrodt Annie , Park Adrian , Tassetti Vincent , Mutter Didier , Marescaux Jacques 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPort site metastases could be due to mechanical reasons or impairment of host defenses. As it is known that carbon dioxide is toxic for lymphocytes in vitro we decided to investigate lymphocyte stress during laparoscopy. Blood samples and peritoneal fluids were obtained before and after pneumoperitoneum from 16 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Lymphocyte subsets were determined by flow cytometry. Propidium iodide was used as a lymphocyte vitality test. Cytokines were measured by an ELISA system. Significant falls in the absolute lymphocyte count and T3 and T4 lymphocytes occurred on postoperative day 1 with a quick return to the preoperative value on day 2. T8, natural killer cells, T4/T8, and T4+/T8+ counts were stable. Interleukins 1β
and 6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α were depressed during the two postoperative days. Peritoneal lymphocytes were not destroyed by pneumoperitoneum as demonstrated by the propidium test, nor were they locally impaired by carbon dioxide. The circulating lymphocyte subpopulation decrease favors moderate, brief immunodepression. The origin of port site metastases is not immunologic depression but, rather, facilitated implantation of malignant cells by hyperpressure into raw tissues.
Technique of Video‐assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for the Spine: New Approach
Authors: Huang Tsung‐Jen , Hsu Robert Wen‐Wei , Liu Hui‐Ping , Liao Yi‐Shyan , Shih Hsin‐Nung 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAlthough video‐assisted thoracoscopy has only recently been applied to treat a variety of thoracic spine lesions, many problems and difficulties are encountered with this technique owing to limited trocar space and lack of suitable endoscopic instruments. Between November 1995 and March 1996, we practiced a new approach for video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery, the “extended manipulating channel method,” for treating 18 patients with thoracic spinal lesions endoscopically. The thoracoscopic portals were made larger (usually 3–4 cm) and placed slightly more posterior than usual, which allows use of a combination of conventional spinal instruments and video‐assisted thoracoscopy to enter the chest cavity and be manipulated similar to that with techniques used for standard open surgical procedures. In our series the endoscopic spinal procedures included biopsy only (n= 1), thoracic discectomy (n= 1), multilevel anterior discectomy and fusion
(n= 1), corpectomy for decompression
(n= 4), decompressions and interbody fusions
(n= 10), and internal instrumentations
(n= 4). Throughout the operation only one trocar was used for introducing the thoracoscope. There were no intraoperative deaths, and no patients showed neurologic deterioration due to the procedures. We conclude that such a technique makes thoracoscopy‐assisted spinal surgery simpler and easier and has proved to be an effective, promising procedure. It does not appear to compromise the therapeutic goals set for the patients. The intraoperative vessel bleeding can be easily controlled, and the number of portals for the procedures can be reduced (on average, three portals are enough). Few endoscopic materials were used with our patients, and thus the total economic cost to the patients was reduced.
Economic Considerations for the Diagnosis and Therapy of Meniscal Lesions: Can Magnetic Resonance Imaging Help Reduce the Expense?
Authors: Weinstabl Reinhard , Muellner Thomas , Vécsei Vilmos , Kainberger F. , Kramer M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractWith magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the surgeon has such an effective diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of a meniscal lesion that the times of diagnostic arthroscopy should be in the past. A total of 823 patients with clinically diagnosed meniscal lesions were divided into two groups: group A, 143 patients underwent MRI and 75 of those arthroscopy; group B, 680 patients, 201 (30%) of whom were operated after being only clinically examined. MRI was done on a Siemens Medical System Magnetom 1.5 Tesla with a 256 × 256 matrix. Spinal echo and gradient echo images were performed with slices of 2 to 4 mm thickness. All meniscal tears were graded according to Reicher and Crues, respectively. Grades III and IV were judged to be positive for a meniscal lesion. Arthroscopy was carried out under general anesthesia and the usual technique. The MRI revealed the following results: Medial meniscus: accuracy 95%, positive predictive value (PPV) 92%, negative predictive value (NPV) 95%, sensitivity
98%, and specificity 82%; lateral meniscus: accuracy 97%, PPV 92%, NPV 98%, sensitivity 94%, and specificity 98%. The overall values for MRI of the medial and lateral menisci combined were: accuracy 96%, PPV 93%, NPV 98%, sensitivity 96%, and specificity 90%. The clinical examination often failed to diagnose a meniscal lesion:
accuracy 64%, PPV 59%, NPV 89%, sensitivity 96%, and specificity
33% for the medial meniscus. For the lateral meniscus the accuracy was
91%, PPV 61%, NPV 98%, sensitivity 89%, and specificity 91%. The overall values for the clinical investigation of the medial and lateral menisci combined were: accuracy 78%, PPV 60%, NPV 94%, sensitivity
93%, and specificity 62%. Investigation of all 201 patients operated from group B with MRI would have cost $160,800. The cost of 30% fewer arthroscopies would have been $562,800—in total $723,600. The operation of all 201 patients cost $804,000. Hence about $80,000 could have been saved by scanning all 201 patients and therefore reduce the rate of diagnostic arthroscopies.
Surgical Treatment for Splenic Hydatidosis
Authors: Safioleas Michael , Misiakos Evangelos , Manti Christine 
Published: April 2006

AbstractSplenic involvement is rare in patients with hydatid disease even in endemic countries. The spleen is the third most commonly involved organ after the liver and the lung. In our series splenic echinococcosis represents 5.8% of abdominal hydatid disease. During the last 22 years, 14 patients were operated on for splenic hydatid cysts in our department. In 10 patients the spleen was the only location of hydatid disease; in 2 patients there was concomitant liver hydatid disease; one patient had disseminated intraabdominal disease; and one patient had a coexisting hydatid cyst in the quadriceps femoris muscle. Plain abdominal films, ultrasonography, and computed tomography scans were most useful for establishing the diagnosis. All patients underwent splenectomy alone or combined with management of cysts at other sites, except for two patients who underwent omentoplasty and one patient who underwent external drainage. One patient died during the early postoperative period (mortality rate 7%), and three patients had minor complications. Splenic hydatid disease should be included in the differential diagnosis when a splenic cyst is identified, especially in patients with a history of hydatid disease. Surgery remains the treatment of choice to avoid serious complications.
Single and Multiple Pyogenic Liver Abscesses: Clinical Course, Etiology, and Results of Treatment
Authors: Chou Fong‐Fu , Sheen‐Chen Shyr‐Ming , Chen Yaw‐Sen , Chen Mao‐Chan 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA total of 483 patients with pyogenic liver abscess during the years 1986 to June 1995 were studied at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Kaohsiung: 343 were a single abscess and 140 were multiple abscesses. Males were predominantly affected by this disease. Abdominal pain was more frequent with the single abscess than with multiple abscesses, and jaundice was more frequent with multiple abscesses. Blood levels of alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and creatinine and the white blood cell count were significantly higher in patients with multiple abscesses than in those with a single abscess;
and the hemoglobin level was higher with single abscesses. The single abscess was usually larger than 5 cm, and the multiple abscesses were usually smaller than 5 cm. The single abscess was always located on the right side (72%) and the multiple abscesses always on the right or both sides. Single abscesses mainly had a cryptogenic origin (58.9%) and multiple abscesses a biliary origin (45.0%). Liver aspirates revealed Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Bacteroides,Enterococcus, among others. K. pneumoniae was more often found in a single abscess and E. coli more often in multiple abscesses. Percutaneous catheter drainage and aspiration comprised the main treatment initially, and the failure rate with multiple abscesses was higher than that with single abscesses. Surgical intervention should be considered for multiple abscesses because of the underlying disease. The overall mortality with multiple abscesses (22.1%) was higher than that with a single abscess (12.8%). Partial hepatectomy produced a low mortality rate for both single and multiple abscesses and should be considered in the presence of severe hepatic destruction by an abscess or a stone.
Pathologic and Clinical Aspects of Repair of Large Incisional Hernias after Implant of a Polytetrafluoroethylene Prosthesis
Authors: Bellón Juan M. , Contreras Luis A. , Sabater Cristina , Buján Julia 
Published: April 2006

AbstractOne of the alternatives for the repair of large incisional hernias is the use of a prosthetic material. The present retrospective study relates the experience acquired for treatment of large incisional hernias (hernial orifice > 10 cm) with ePTFE prostheses. Thirty‐eight massive incisional hernias were repaired using ePTFE 1 mm thick Soft Tissue Patches. Twenty‐four patients received a prosthetic patch of 10 × 15 cm, 13 a patch of 15 × 20 cm, and 1 a patch of 20 × 30 cm. In
30 cases the ePTFE was sutured to the recipient tissues with a double row of polypropylene stitches. For the first eight interventions the ePTFE was secured using a single row of polypropylene sutures. Pathologic studies of biopsies from patients who had undergone surgical reintervention at 40 days, 12 months, and 48 months, respectively, were done using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry with human antimacrophage antibodies KP‐1. The follow‐up period for all patients was between 18 and 72 months. There was no perioperative mortality. No infection or rejection of prostheses was recorded. Seroma was present in four patients. Computed tomography was performed for evaluation purposes on 10 randomly selected patients
(mean postoperative delay 1–4 years) and showed the ePTFE encapsulated by newly formed tissue. One of the patients suffered from mechanical intestinal obstruction 40 days after implant and suffered a recurrence a year later. Three recurrences at the patch–recipient tissue interface where the ePTFE had been secured with a single row of polypropylene stitches were recorded after 8, 12, and 28 months. At 40 days good integration of the biomaterial was observed in the newly formed tissue. On both sides of the implant an accumulation of four to six strata of cells was appreciable. Some of them were labeled with KP‐1. Cell infiltration of the prosthesis was restricted to the most exterior third of the patch. There was no colonization at the patch–recipient tissue interface. At 12 and 28 months the cell barrier had almost disappeared. KP‐1‐labeled macrophages were scarce. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a well defined peritoneum. It may be concluded that: (1) a double suture row is recommended to secure the prosthesis; (2) ePTFE provides an adequate substrate for the formation of scar tissue; and (3) the macrophage response induced by the ePTFE decreases with time.
Efficacy of Fine‐Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules: Experience of a Mexican Institution
Authors: Lopez Luis H. , Canto Jorge A. , Herrera Miguel F. , Gamboa‐Dominguez Armando , Rivera Raul , Gonzalez Ofelia , Perez‐Enriquez Bernardo , Angeles‐Angeles Arturo , Letayf Victor , Rull Juan A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn most centers only selected patients with high risk thyroid nodules undergo thyroid surgery, and fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) is used to select patients for surgical treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of FNA on the management of thyroid nodules at our institution. A total of 872 patients who underwent FNA over a period of 7 years were retrospectively analyzed. There were 66 men and 806 women with a mean age of 40 ± 15 years. Altogether 549 patients presented with a thyroid nodule and 323 with multinodular disease. The sensitivity and specificity of FNA were 90.0% and 99.8%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 98% and 99%, respectively, and the accuracy was 99%. Our results are in agreement with those of other reports establishing that FNA of the thyroid is safe, reliable, and effective for differentiating benign from malignant nodules.
Perforated Peptic Ulcer: Long‐term Results after Simple Closure in the Elderly
Authors: Blomgren Lena G.M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe relative incidence of peptic ulcer perforation in the elderly is rising, and the optimal surgical treatment has yet to be defined. To evaluate the long‐term result after simple closure a follow‐up study was initiated at a Swedish community hospital. During 1983–1992 a total of 151 patients were admitted with perforated peptic ulcer; 92 were elderly (i.e., 70 years or older), 63 of whom were operated with simple closure. Mortality at 30 days was
27% (17/63) and the total in‐hospital mortality 30% (19/63). After a mean follow‐up of 79 months, 14 of the 44 survivors are still alive. So far only three of the survivors have required additional hospitalization for complications of peptic ulcer disease. Because the rate of serious recurrences is low (14%, 6/44), it is concluded that simple closure is an adequate surgical treatment for peptic ulcer perforation in the elderly.
Increased Rate of Cholecystectomy after Introduction of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al‐Mulhim Abdulmohsen A. , Al‐Ali Ahmad A. , Albar Adnan A. , Bahnassy Ahmad A. , Abdelhadi Maha , Wosornu Lade , Tamimi Tawfiq M. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract.A rapid increase in the rate of cholecystectomy was reported in eastern Saudi Arabia between 1977 and 1986. The aim of this study was to determine whether the rate of cholecystectomy in the same region was still rising after the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. From 1987 to 1995 a total of 24 hospitals in eastern Saudi Arabia were surveyed using a questionnaire. During the 9‐year study period, the rate of total cholecystectomy (open and laparoscopic) increased by 91%. Whereas the cholecystectomy rate decreased by 4% per annum from 1987 to 1990, it increased by 63.7% from 1991 to 1995 after the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The increase in the rates of cholecystectomy was observed in all age groups and both sexes. Cholecystectomy was, however, most frequent among the age group 45–64 years followed by the age group 25–44 years. Young and female patients were more likely to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy than the open procedure. The rise in cholecystectomy rate deserves further evaluation with regard to the following: reasons for the increased rate of cholecystectomy, cholecystectomy‐related morbidity and mortality, and the total costs of cholecystectomy.
Prospective Evaluation of Selective Defunctioning Stoma for Low Anterior Resection with Total Mesorectal Excision
Authors: Poon Ronnie Tung‐Ping , Chu Kin‐Wah , Ho Judy Wai‐Chu , Chan Cheung‐Wah , Law Wai‐Lun , Wong John 
Published: April 2006

Abstract.Low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision for rectal carcinoma is associated with a high anastomotic leakage rate, and the effectiveness of a defunctioning stoma in preventing anastomotic leakage remains controversial. In this study a policy of selective defunctioning stoma for stapled colorectal anastomosis after low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision in 148 consecutive patients was evaluated prospectively. A defunctioning stoma was performed in 61 patients (41%) considered at high risk of anastomotic leakage. Clinical leakage occurred in 2 patients (3.3%) with a stoma and 11 patients (12.6%) without a stoma (p= 0.047). Among those without a stoma, the leakage rate among male patients (20.9%) was significantly higher than that for female patients (4.5%) (p= 0.022). Leakage subsided with conservative treatment in the two patients with a stoma, but seven patients without a stoma developed peritonitis requiring laparotomy. No deaths resulted from leakage, and there was one hospital death (0.6%) in the whole group. Median hospital stay was similar with and without a stoma (13.0 vs. 12.0 days) (p= 0.290). Closure of the stoma was associated with no mortality, a morbidity rate of 8.7%, and a median hospital stay of 6.0 days. In conclusion, a defunctioning stoma is effective in preventing clinical anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision. The relatively high incidence of leakage in the low risk group indicates the difficulty of predicting anastomotic leakage and hence the need for more liberal use of a defunctioning stoma especially in male patients.
Laparoscopic Visualization of the Cystic Artery Anatomy
Authors: Balija Milivoj , Huis Marijan , Nikolić Vasilije , Štulhofer Mladen 
Published: April 2006

Abstract.Uncontrolled bleeding from the cystic artery and its branches is a serious problem that may increase the risk of intraoperative lesions to vital vascular and biliary structures. On laparoscopic visualization anatomic relations are seen differently than during conventional surgery, so proper knowledge of the hepatobiliary triangle anatomic structures under the conditions of laparoscopic visualization is required. We present an original classification of the anatomic variations of the cystic artery into two main groups based on our experience with 200 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, with due consideration of the known anatomicotopographic relations. Group I designates a cystic artery situated within the hepatobiliary triangle on laparoscopic visualization. This group included three types: (1) normally lying cystic artery, found in 147 (73.5%) patients; (2) most common cystic artery variation, manifesting as its doubling, present in 31 (15.5%) patients; and (3) the cystic artery originating from the aberrant right hepatic artery, observed in 11 (5.5%) patients. Group II designates a cystic artery that could not be found within the hepatobiliary triangle on laparoscopic dissection. This group included two types of variation: (1) cystic artery originating from the gastroduodenal artery, found in nine (4.5%) patients; and (2) cystic artery originating from the left hepatic artery, recorded in two (1%) patients.