bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allozyme diversity and morphometrics of the endangered Melocactus glaucescens (Cactaceae), and investigation of the putative hybrid origin of Melocactus	× albicephalus (Melocactus ernestii × M. glaucescens) in north‐eastern Brazil
Authors: LAMBERT SABRINA M. , BORBA EDUARDO L. , MACHADO MARLON C. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract Melocactus glaucescens (Cactaceae) is a critically endangered species endemic to north‐eastern Brazil. It grows in sympatry with other congeneric species and there is evidence for hybridization among them. We evaluated the levels of genetic and morphological variability and their substructuring between populations of M. glaucescens and sympatric species, and we tested for the occurrence of natural hybridization. Genetic variability was investigated using 12 allozyme loci, and morphological variability was investigated using multivariate morphometric analyses of 18 vegetative characters in nine natural populations of M. glaucescens, Melocactus ernestii, Melocactus concinnus and two distinct morphs of putative hybrids (Melocactus ×albicephalus). Genetic variability was low in all populations (P = 7.7–41.7, A = 0.3–1.7, He = 0.009–0.096), and all taxa displayed a deficit in heterozygotes. Low genetic structuring and moderate morphological structuring were found for M. glaucescens (FST = 0.045, AMRPP = 0.16) and M. concinnus (FST = 0.022, AMRPP = 0.11). The results obtained are inconclusive with respect to confirming the hypothesis of occurrence of hybridization because of an absence of diagnostic loci in the presumed parental species. The presence of several private alleles and the absence of linkage disequilibrium in the putative hybrids indicate that M. albicephalus should be treated as a distinct species, and not given hybrid status as recently stated by a number of authors. The large number of exclusive alleles and the levels of morphological structuring in the populations of M. glaucescens are important factors that need to be considered in the definition of strategies for the conservation of this species.
Life‐history monographs of Japanese plants. 6: Convallaria keiskei Miq. (Convallariaceae)
Authors: OHARA MASASHI , ARAKI KIWAKO , YAMADA ETSUKO , KAWANO SHOICHI 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe life‐history characteristics of Convallaria keiskei Miq. (Convallariaceae), an Asian lily of the valley, are described. This is a perennial species of temperate broad‐leaved deciduous forests in the Japanese islands and adjacent Far East regions. Convallaria keiskei is a clonal plant and depends on two reproductive modes, sexual reproduction via seeds and clonal growth. New aerial shoots (sheath leaves) elongate and appear above ground in late April to May, and subsequent flowering takes place in late May to June On the forest floor, there are two distinct vegetative aerial shoots, shoots with a single leaf and those with two leaves, as well as two‐leaved shoots that bear an inflorescence. As found in two other Convallaria species, Convallaria montana of North America and Convallaria majaris of Europe, flowers of C. keiskei have a mild fragrance, and nectar‐glands are developed at the base of the corolla. The number of ovules per flower ranges from 3 to 17 with an average of 12. Convallaria keiskei is a typical insect‐pollinated outbreeder and, in general, pollinators belong to the orders Coleoptera and Diptera. In addition, the observed self‐incompatibility suggests that pollen from ramets of a genet have little importance in the reproduction of this species, and that sexual reproduction requires pollen from different genets. The fruits ripen in July to August, and are globose berries, approximately 6 mm in diameter, and red or reddish brown when matured. The number of seeds produced per fruit ranges from 1 to 14 (average 4), and the fruit‐setting and seed‐setting rates are 32% and 11%, respectively. Fruit sets are distinctly influenced by the numbers of neighboring compatible flowers.
RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL COMPARING PROLENE HERNIA SYSTEM AND LICHTENSTEIN METHOD FOR INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR
Authors: Sanjay Pandanaboyana , Harris Dean , Jones Philippa , Woodward Alan 
Published: June 2006

Background:  There are no data regarding the long‐term outcomes of prolene hernia system (PHS) mesh in the published reports. The aim of the study was to compare the short‐term and long‐term outcomes of the PHS mesh with the Lichtenstein mesh technique.Methods:  Sixty‐four patients with inguinal hernia were randomized to undergo either a PHS or a Lichtenstein repair under local anaesthesia as a day case. Early outcome measures were duration of surgery, pain scores, analgesic requirements, time to return to work, driving and full activity. Long‐term outcome measures were chronic groin pain and recurrence.Results:  Mean duration of surgery in the PHS group was 36 min (SD ± 11) versus 34 min in the Lichtenstein group (SD ± 8; P = 0.3). There was no significant difference in analgesic requirements (P = 0.65). Overall mean pain score was 3.5/10 versus 2.5/10 (P = 0.1). Mean time to return to work was 42 versus 30 days (P = 0.3), returning to driving was 20 versus 14 days (P = 0.2) and full activity was 21 versus 22 days (P = 0.8). Chronic groin pain developed in four patients in the PHS group (12.9%) and in five patients in the Lichtenstein group (15.1%; P > 0.05). One patient developed recurrent herniation in the PHS group. The median follow up was 4.2 years (range, 4–4.6 years). Patient satisfaction was very high with both the techniques.Conclusion:  There is no significant difference in the early and long‐term outcomes between PHS and Lichtenstein hernia repairs. The PHS technique involving preperitoneal dissection is well tolerated and easy to carry out under local anaesthesia.
QUESTIONNAIRE TO AID PRIORITY AND OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT IN GALLSTONE DISEASE
Authors: Chen Tina Y. T. , Landmann Michael G. , Potter Jonathan C. , Van Rij Andre M. 
Published: June 2006

Background:  Limited health resources necessitate prioritization for access to elective cholecystectomy in New Zealand. We aimed to develop and validate a patient questionnaire for determining the effect of gallstone disease on quality of life (QOL) and evaluate its potential role in appraising prioritization and outcomes from surgery.Methods:  The Otago gallstones condition‐specific questionnaire (CSQ) was designed based on review of published reports, structural equation modelling, input from experts and patient feedback. Fifty‐four patients with symptomatic gallstone disease completed the CSQ including a single question asking about global condition impact, along with other QOL measures: the Gallstone Impact Checklist and the Short Form‐36 Health Survey. Validity and reliability of the CSQ were assessed using standard psychometric criteria and patient acceptance was explored in a semistructured interview. Patients’ priority status for surgery was determined by two participating surgeons and resulting scores were correlated with the QOL measures.Results:  Average CSQ completion time was 2.7 (range 1–5) min and patients found its content concise and comprehensive. Validity was supported through high correlations with the Gallstone Impact Checklist (r = 0.74), the global condition impact (r = 0.69) and related dimensions of the Short Form‐36 Health Survey. CSQ questions showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.94) and reproducibility (ICC = 0.93, where ICC is intraclass coefficient). Of all the QOL measures, the CSQ was the most clinically relevant, showing the strongest relationship with surgeon‐rated priority (r = 0.62).Conclusions:  Evidence is provided to support the validity of the CSQ for assessing the effect of gallstone disease on QOL. The CSQ could be particularly valuable in aiding priority decisions surgeons make and may be useful in tracking subsequent outcomes.
ANASTOMOTIC LEAKAGE AFTER LOWER GASTROINTESTINAL ANASTOMOSIS: MEN ARE AT A HIGHER RISK
Authors: Lipska Magdalena A. , Bissett Ian P. , Parry Bryan R. , Merrie Arend E. H. 
Published: June 2006

Background:  Anastomotic leakage is the most important complication specific to intestinal surgery. The aim of this study was to review the anastomotic leakage rates in a single Colorectal Unit and to evaluate the risk factors for anastomotic leakage after lower gastrointestinal anastomosis.Methods:  A total of 541 consecutive operations involving anastomoses of the colon and rectum that were carried out between 1999 and 2004 at a single colorectal unit were reviewed. Data concerning 35 variables, relating to patient, tumour and surgical factors, were recorded. Outcomes with respect to anastomotic leakage and mortality were recorded. Data were analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses and odds ratios (OR) calculated.Results:  The overall rate of anastomotic leakage was 6.5% (35 of 541). The most frequently carried out operations were right hemicolectomy and anterior resection of the rectum, with leak rates of 2.2 and 7.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that male gender (OR = 3.5), previous abdominal surgery (OR = 2.4), Crohn’s disease (OR = 3.3), rectal cancer ≤12 cm from the anal verge (OR = 5.4) and prolonged operating time (OR = 2.8) were factors significantly associated with anastomotic leakage. Male gender, a history of previous abdominal surgery and the presence of a low cancer remained significant after multivariate analysis. The risk of anastomotic leakage increased when two or more risk factors were present (P < 0.01). The overall mortality was 3.7% and was higher in patients with anastomotic leakage (14.3%; P = 0.01).Conclusions:  Male gender, previous abdominal surgery and low rectal cancer are associated with increased anastomotic leakage rates. These have important implications during preoperative patient counselling and decision‐making regarding defunctioning stoma formation.
TRAINING IN PAEDIATRIC TRAUMA: THE PROBLEM OF SAFER SOCIETIES
Authors: Hamill James , Beasley Spencer W. 
Published: June 2006

Background:  Trauma remains the most common cause of child death worldwide but the incidence of major trauma is declining in many developed countries: this has implications for training. A survey of paediatric surgeons and paediatric surgical trainees was undertaken to evaluate perceptions of the relative importance of various forms of trauma training.Methods:  A questionnaire was emailed to Australasian paediatric surgeons and trainees to determine trauma courses they had undertaken, operative and non‐operative paediatric trauma experience and attitudes towards trauma training.Results:  The overall response rate was 49% (40 of 83 consultants and 11 of 22 trainees). The Early Management of Severe Trauma course had been undertaken by 82% of consultants and all trainees. The Definitive Surgical Trauma Care course had been undertaken by 22% of consultants and one trainee. The number of trauma laparotomies carried out in the previous year was in the one to five range for 71% of responders. Greater emphasis was placed on the value of adult trauma experience by consultants who had a general surgical fellowship.Conclusion:  In societies where major trauma in children is relatively rare (fortunately) and the opportunities for training are limited, it is important to ensure that advanced trainees in paediatric surgery gain sufficient skills from a variety of sources to enable them to treat competently the severely injured child with multiple injuries.
MARGINS AND OUTCOME OF SCREEN‐DETECTED BREAST CANCER WITH EXTENSIVE IN SITU COMPONENT
Authors: Kitchen Paul R. B. , Cawson Jennifer N. , Moore Suzanne E. , Hill Prue A. , Barbetti Toni M. , Wilkins Pamela A. , Power Ann‐Marie , Henderson Michael A. 
Published: June 2006

Background:  In situ disease surrounding invasive tumours is an important consideration in the management of patients with early breast cancer. This study of screen‐detected breast cancers assessed the influence of in situ disease including an extensive in situ component (defined as ductal carcinoma in situ involving more than 25% of the area within the invasive tumour) on surgical management, local recurrence and survival of a group of patients.Methods:  A total of 595 cases of invasive breast cancer detected at St Vincent’s BreastScreen were retrospectively reviewed to determine presence and extent of in situ disease, the surgical procedure and adequacy of excision. Outcome was examined in a cohort of 126 cases.Results:  A total of 438 (74%) patients had in situ foci in or around the invasive tumour and 107 (18%) were defined as extensive in situ component (EIC)‐positive. The initial procedure was mastectomy in 20% of the cases and breast‐conserving surgery in 80% including 18% who underwent further surgery. Re‐excision (P = 0.02) or mastectomy (P = 0.01) was more often required in patients with EIC. After definitive local excision, margins were close or involved with invasive disease in 3% but the patients with EIC were more likely to have margins close or involved with in situ disease (16 vs 2%; P = 0.001). There were seven deaths and one local invasive recurrence in the follow‐up group and none of the deaths were in patients who were EIC‐positive.Conclusions:  EIC predicts for a higher rate of re‐excision and/or mastectomy. For patients with EIC, there is an acceptably low risk of local recurrence if margins are clear.
LAPAROSCOPIC CARDIOMYOTOMY FOR ACHALASIA: LONG‐TERM OUTCOMES
Authors: Bessell Justin R. , Lally Carolyn J. , Schloithe Anne , Jamieson Glyn G. , Devitt Peter G. , Watson David I. 
Published: June 2006

Background:  Although the laparoscopic approach to oesophageal myotomy for achalasia is associated with reduced early postoperative morbidity compared with the open approach, most published reports describe relatively short‐term follow up. For this reason, in a prospective cohort study, we determined the longer‐term outcome for patients with uncomplicated achalasia who underwent a laparoscopic myotomy. In addition, we sought to identify preoperative factors predicting a good postoperative outcome.Methods:  The outcome for 167 patients who underwent a laparoscopic cardiomyotomy and anterior partial fundoplication at one of two teaching hospitals was determined. All patients underwent preoperative assessment with a contrast swallow radiology, gastroscopy and oesophageal manometry. Patients also underwent objective symptom evaluation before and after surgery using various outcome scales to determine dysphagia, reflux symptoms, side‐effects and overall satisfaction with the clinical outcomes. Patients were followed prospectively at yearly time points and data were managed on a computerized database. Postoperative objective investigations were undertaken if clinically indicated.Results:  Median operating time was 78 min (range, 30–210 min). Most patients left the hospital within 72 h of surgery. Surgery was associated with a 5% complication rate and a 4% rate of conversion to open surgery. Five per cent of patients required a subsequent intervention during follow up. Over longer‐term follow up (5 years or longer), 77% of patients had either no or minimal symptoms. At 1, 3 and 5 years, 96, 93 and 97% of patients indicated that they thought that they had made the correct decision to undergo surgery, although men consistently fared worse on their reported dysphagia outcome across a range of measures.Conclusion:  Laparoscopic myotomy with anterior partial fundoplication achieves a good outcome for patients undergoing treatment of achalasia. Male patients do not perceive their outcome to be optimal in comparison with females but in the long term, they do not regret proceeding.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF EXTRACRANIAL INTERNAL CAROTID ANEURYSMS BY CERVICAL APPROACH
Authors: Bakoyiannis Chris N. , Georgopoulos Sotirios E. , Tsekouras Nikolaos S. , Klonaris Chris N. , Skrapari Ioanna C. , Papalambros Efstathios L. , Bastounis Elias A. 
Published: June 2006

Background:  Extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms (EICAA) are rare vascular problems with a great potential for lethal thromboembolic episodes.Methods:  From 1994 to 2004, nine patients with EICAA, seven men and two women, were surgically treated for 10 aneurysms in our department. Aneurysm led to hemispheric symptoms in six cases (two hemispheric strokes and four hemispheric transient ischaemic attacks). The cause was fibrodysplasia in two cases, atherosclerosis in four cases, trauma in two cases and spontaneous dissection in two cases. All aneurysms were treated surgically by the cervical approach using shunting. Extended cervical approach was necessary in four patients with high‐lying aneurysms. Nine aneurysms were totally resected and successful revascularization was carried out. Open aneurysmorrhaphy with vein patch angioplasty was carried out in one case of a saccular aneurysm.Results:  There were no perioperative deaths or transient ischaemic attacks or strokes. Four patients developed cranial nerve deficits: one had hoarsness, two had partial facial paralysis (patients with extended cervical approach) and one had tongue deviation. These neurological symptoms were observed in large aneurysms (>4.5 cm) and disappeared within 14 months. No neurological complication was observed in a follow up that ranged from 6 months to 10 years.Conclusions:  Surgical repair of EICAA, especially with total resection and arterial reconstruction, is strongly recommended. Extended cervical approach has many technical difficulties but can allow treatment of high‐lying aneurysms.
POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY IN ACUTE PANCREATITIS
Authors: Cuthbertson Christine M. , Christophi Christopher 
Published: June 2006

Background:  To extract from the biomedical published reports, the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on inflammatory disease, in particular acute pancreatitis. This review will explain these effects and evaluate potential mechanisms of action of HBO in acute pancreatitis.Methods:  A Medline/PubMed search (January 1966 to July 2004) with manual cross‐referencing was conducted, including all relevant articles investigating the molecular and systemic effects of HBO on inflammatory diseases, particularly focusing on the studies of acute pancreatitis. All publication types, languages and subsets were searched.Results:  Original and review articles and short communications were extracted. The selected original articles covered the molecular and systemic effects of HBO and the effects in inflammatory disease states. The major findings are that HBO can act as an anti‐inflammatory agent and as an antimicrobial agent. Many of the effects of HBO would be beneficial in the treatment of acute severe pancreatitis. Work carried out to date in animal models of acute pancreatitis shows promising improvements in severity but studies are limited to date.Conclusion:  Acute pancreatitis impairs the pancreatic and systemic microcirculation and causes acute inflammation. These processes are potentially improved by HBO therapy.
HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA PRESENTING WITH OBSTRUCTIVE JAUNDICE
Authors: Lai Eric C. H. , Yee Lau Wan 
Published: June 2006

Background:  Jaundice occurs in 5–44% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is an important clinical presentation as the different aetiological causes of jaundice in HCC determine the therapeutic approach and the prognosis. This article aims to review the classification, management and prognosis of patients with jaundice associated with HCC.Methods:  A Medline search was undertaken to identify articles using the key words ‘hepatocellular carcinoma’, ‘jaundice’ and ‘tumour thrombus’. Additional articles were identified by a manual search of the references from the key articles.Results:  Patients with jaundice due to hepatic parenchymal insufficiency (hepatocellular type) have a very dismal prognosis. For patients with biliary obstruction due to HCC (icteric type), the reported 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates after curative resection were 57.1–100%, 20–47% and 6.7–45%, respectively. The mean survival after palliative biliary drainage alone was less than 6 months but when biliary drainage was combined with other palliative treatment, the mean survival could be up to 1 year.Conclusions:  It is important to differentiate the hepatocellular type from the icteric type of HCC. For patients with the icteric type of HCC, curative liver resection can achieve a survival comparable to that in patients without jaundice. For patients with unresectable icteric type of HCC, treatment can provide improvement in patient’s quality of life and survival.
Neuropeptide Y in the olfactory microvillar cells
Authors: Montani Giorgia , Tonelli Simone , Elsaesser Rebecca , Paysan Jacques , Tirindelli Roberto 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis paper examines a possible role of microvillar cells in coordinating cell death and regeneration of olfactory epithelial neurons. The olfactory neuroepithelium of mammals is a highly dynamic organ. Olfactory neurons periodically degenerate by apoptosis and as a consequence of chemical or physical damage. To compensate for this loss of cells, the olfactory epithelium maintains a lifelong ability to regenerate from a pool of resident multipotent stem cells. To assure functional continuity and histological integrity of the olfactory epithelium over a period of many decades, apoptosis and regeneration require to be precisely coordinated. Among the factors that have been implicated in mediating this regulation is the neuropeptide Y (NPY). Knockout mice that lack functional expression of this neurogenic peptide show defects in embryonic development of the olfactory epithelium and in its ability to regenerate in the adult. Here we show that, in postnatal olfactory epithelia, NPY is exclusively expressed by a specific population of microvillar cells. We previously characterized these cells as a novel type of putative chemosensory cells, which are provided with a phosphatidyl‐inositol‐mediated signal transduction cascade. Our findings allow for the first time to suggest that microvillar cells are involved in connecting apoptosis to neuronal regeneration by stimulus‐induced release of NPY.
Negative cross‐talk between presynaptic adenosine and acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Shakirzyanova A. V. , Bukharaeva E. A. , Nikolsky E. E. , Giniatullin R. A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractFunctional interactions between presynaptic adenosine and acetylcholine (ACh) autoreceptors were studied at the frog neuromuscular junction by recording miniature end‐plate potentials (MEPPs) during bath or local application of agonists. The frequency of MEPPs was reduced by adenosine acting on presynaptic adenosine A1 receptors (EC50 = 1.1 µm) or by carbachol acting on muscarinic M2 receptors (EC50 = 1.8 µm). However, carbachol did not produce the depressant effect when it was applied after the action of adenosine had reached its maximum. This phenomenon implied that the negative cross‐talk (occlusion) had occurred between A1 and M2 receptors. Moreover, the occlusion was receptor‐specific as ATP applied in the presence of adenosine continued to depress MEPP frequency. Muscarinic antagonists [atropine or 1‐[[2‐[(diethylamino)methyl)‐1‐piperidinyl]acetyl]‐5,11‐dihydro‐6H‐pyrido [2,3‐b][1,4]benzodiazepine‐6‐one) (AFDX‐116)] had no effect on the inhibitory action of adenosine and adenosine antagonists [8‐(p‐sulfophenyl)theophylline (8‐SPT) or 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX)] had no effect on the action of carbachol. These data suggested that membrane–delimited interactions did not occur between A1 and M2 receptors. Both carbachol and adenosine similarly inhibited quantal release triggered by high potassium, ionomycin or sucrose. These results indicated a convergence of intracellular pathways activated by M2 and A1 receptors to a common presynaptic effector located downstream of Ca2+ influx. We propose that the negative cross‐talk between two major autoreceptors could take place during intense synaptic activity and thereby attenuate the presynaptic inhibitory effects of ACh and adenosine.