bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity and natural hybridization in a highly endemic species of Petunia (Solanaceae): a molecular and ecological analysis
Authors: LORENZ‐LEMKE ALINE P. , MÄDER GERALDO , MUSCHNER VALÉRIA C. , STEHMANN JOÃO R. , BONATTO SANDRO L. , SALZANO FRANCISCO M. , FREITAS LORETA B. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIntrinsic reproductive barriers among the species of Petunia are weak and genetic isolation is obtained mainly by geographical separation and ecological diversification. The Serra do Sudeste region in the extreme south of Brazil is one of the centres of diversity of this genus and is characterized by the presence of species with different pollination syndromes. Petunia exserta is known only from four sandstone towers in a restricted area of this region (about 500 km2) and is characterized by its differentiated habitat (shelters in the sandstone towers) and by its floral characteristics adapted to ornithophily. In towers where this species is sympatric with the sphingophilous Petunia axillaris, phylogenetically close to P. exserta, we found plants with intermediate floral morphology, suggesting hybridization between them. To test this hypothesis and to better understand its consequences we analysed the sequences of the plastid trnH‐psbA, trnS‐trnG and psbB‐psbH intergenic spacers in 121 individuals sampled all over the P. exserta distribution. The joint analysis of the three markers revealed 13 haplotypes and the network showed two main genetic clades, which probably represent the original gene pool of the two species in the region. In general, individuals of a given population presented the same haplotype, independently of phenotype, corroborating the hybridization hypothesis. Field observations suggest that hummingbirds are responsible for the interspecific gene flow. Analysis of molecular variance revealed high interpopulational diversity among the towers. The low gene flow between populations is possibly related to the autochoric seed dispersion system.
Microsatellite signature of ecological selection for salt tolerance in a wild sunflower hybrid species, Helianthus paradoxus
Authors: EDELIST CÉCILE , LEXER CHRISTIAN , DILLMANN CHRISTINE , SICARD DELPHINE , RIESEBERG LOREN H. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe hybrid sunflower species Helianthus paradoxus inhabits sporadic salt marshes in New Mexico and southwest Texas, USA, whereas its parental species, Helianthus annuus and Helianthus petiolaris, are salt sensitive. Previous studies identified three genomic regions — survivorship quantitative trait loci (QTLs) — that were under strong selection in experimental hybrids transplanted into the natural habitat of H. paradoxus. Here we ask whether these same genomic regions experienced significant selection during the origin and evolution of the natural hybrid, H. paradoxus. This was accomplished by comparing the variability of microsatellites linked to the three survivorship QTLs with those from genomic regions that were neutral in the experimental hybrids. As predicted if one or more selective sweeps had occurred in these regions, microsatellites linked to the survivorship QTLs exhibited a significant reduction in diversity in populations of the natural hybrid species. In contrast, no difference in diversity levels was observed between the two microsatellite classes in parental populations.
Extremely low effective population sizes, genetic structuring and reduced genetic diversity in a threatened bumblebee species, Bombus sylvarum (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: ELLIS J. S. , KNIGHT M. E. , DARVILL B. , GOULSON D. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractHabitat fragmentation may severely affect survival of social insect populations as the number of nests per population, not the number of individuals, represents population size, hence they may be particularly prone to loss of genetic diversity. Erosion of genetic diversity may be particularly significant among social Hymenoptera such as bumblebees (Bombus spp.), as this group may be susceptible to diploid male production, a suggested direct cost of inbreeding. Here, for the first time, we assess genetic diversity and population structuring of a threatened bumblebee species (Bombus sylvarum) which exists in highly fragmented habitat (rather than oceanic) islands. Effective population sizes, estimated from identified sisterhoods, were very low (range 21–72) suggesting that isolated populations will be vulnerable to loss of genetic variation through drift. Evidence of significant genetic structuring between populations (θ = 0.084) was found, but evidence of a bottleneck was detected in only one population. Comparison across highly fragmented UK populations and a continental population (where this species is more widespread) revealed significant differences in allelic richness attributable to a high degree of genetic diversity in the continental population. While not directly related to population size, this is perhaps explained by the high degree of isolation between UK populations relative to continental populations. We suggest that populations now existing on isolated habitat islands were probably linked by stepping‐stone populations prior to recent habitat loss.
Adult female crickets,Gryllus texensis, maintain reproductive output after repeated immune challenges
Authors: SHOEMAKER KELLY L. , ADAMO SHELLEY A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBoth immunity and reproduction are thought to be energetically costly and therefore likely to make trade‐offs with one another. To assess whether increasing immune system activity results in a decline in egg production, the immune system in the cricketGryllus texensisis activated over a period of 12 days with regular injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived fromSerratia marcescens, and the number of eggs laid during this time counted. Egg quality is also assessed by measuring total protein of eggs laid, fertilization and hatching success, and the weight of individual eggs laid after the series of injections. Indirect evidence suggests that LPS induces an immune response inG. texensis. However, the number of eggs produced is not affected. There is also no effect of repeated LPS injections on female weight, egg protein content, or fertilization and hatching success. Taken together, these results suggest that with food and water providedad libitum, females can protect many aspects of fitness in the face of increased immune system activity. However, there is some evidence to suggest that large (100 μg) doses of LPS lead to reduced female longevity, and also in egg weight that could affect offspring success. Although the possibility exists that the decline in lifespan and egg weight after high‐dose injections reflects a trade‐off between reproduction and immune investment, another possibility is that these doses yield nonspecific effects, or that the high‐dose induces an overwhelming immune response that leads to self‐damage.
Screening colonoscopy in asymptomatic average‐risk Koreans: Analysis in relation to age and sex
Authors: Choe Jae Won , Chang Hye‐Sook , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Myung Seung‐Jae , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Lee Don , Song Hye‐Kyung , Lee Hyun Ju , Chung Eun‐Ju , Kim Sun Young , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Lee Gin‐Hyug , Hong Weon‐Seon , Kim Jin‐Ho , Min Young Il 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Although the incidence of colorectal cancer is rising in Asian countries, there are no guidelines for its screening in this region due in part to the lack of epidemiological data regarding colorectal neoplasms. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of colorectal neoplasms in average‐risk Koreans and to assess the effectiveness of screening colonoscopy in Korea.Methods:  The prevalence of colorectal neoplasms was assessed by primary screening colonoscopy in 5086 consecutive asymptomatic adults (males 70.5%; age 20–84 years) with no risk factors for colorectal cancer.Results:  The overall prevalence of colorectal neoplasms in the 5086 subjects was 21.9% and this increased linearly with age. Among the 2435 subjects aged ≥50 years (males 66.7%; mean age 57.7 years), the prevalence of all colorectal neoplasms was 30.2% (males 35.9% vs females 18.7%; P < 0.001), while advanced neoplasms accounted for only 4.1% (males 5.1% vs females 2.0%; P < 0.001). The prevalence of advanced neoplasms in Korean men of a specific age group was similar to that of Korean women in the 10‐years older age group. Also, Koreans in a specific age group showed a prevalence of advanced neoplasms similar to that of Westerners in the 10‐years younger age group.Conclusions:  Colonoscopy is a useful modality for colorectal cancer screening in Korea, as established in Western countries. However, the screening colonoscopy may begin at an older age for Koreans than for Westerners. Similarly, the optimal starting age for screening in Korean women may be higher than that in men by 10 years.
Obstetric and neonatal outcomes in women who live in an urban resettlement area of Delhi, India: A cohort study
Authors: Chhabra Pragti , Sharma Arun Kumar , Tupil Kannan Anjur 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAim: To study the pregnancy outcome, namely mode and place of delivery, attendant at birth and perinatal mortality in an urban resettlement area of Delhi, India, and to determine factors that affect the outcome.Methods: All the pregnant women (n = 909) in the area were enrolled and followed until 7 days after delivery. We calculated the crude and adjusted odds ratios for predictors of pregnancy related obstetric and neonatal outcomes, using logistic regression analysis.Results: A total of 884 (97.3%) women could be followed up. Approximately two‐thirds of deliveries took place at home. Primigravida, more educated mothers and mothers with non‐cephalic presentation or complications were more likely to deliver in a health facility (P < 0.05). Most deliveries (97%) were vaginal, 2.5% were cesarean and 0.5% forceps deliveries. Primigravida mothers, mothers with short stature, mothers with non‐cephalic presentation or complications had cesarean and forceps delivery more often (P < 0.05). A perinatal mortality rate of 74.5 per 1000 live births was observed. Presentation of the fetus and complications in the mother remained important factors.Conclusion: The majority of deliveries in the under‐privileged sections in urban Delhi take place at home and the perinatal mortality remains high.
Abnormal Doppler velocimetry is related to adverse perinatal outcome for borderline amniotic fluid index during third trimester
Authors: Kwon Ja‐Young , Kwon Han‐Sung , Kim Young‐Han , Park Yong‐Won 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the relationship between abnormal Doppler velocimetry and adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with borderline amniotic fluid index (AFI).Methods:  Medical records of 3740 pregnancies with known AFI and Doppler velocimetry measurements within 2 weeks of delivery, and delivered between January 1996 and December 2003, were retrospectively analyzed. Borderline AFI was defined as 5 cm < AFI ≤ 8 cm. For the umbilical artery, Doppler velocimetry was considered abnormal when the S/D ratio was greater than 3.0 or when end‐diastolic flow was absent; whereas, for the uterine artery, the S/D ratio was greater than 2.6 or presence of end‐systolic notch was defined as abnormal. Adverse perinatal outcomes (small for gestational age, cesarean section for fetal distress, 5 min Apgar score of less than 7, respiratory distress syndrome, NICU admission, and perinatal death) according to Doppler velocimetry in borderline AFI were evaluated.Results:  Compared to the normal AFI group (n = 3523), the borderline AFI group (n = 217) had significantly higher incidence of adverse perinatal outcome (28.8% vs 54.8%). There was 3‐fold increase in the incidence of adverse perinatal outcome among women with the borderline AFI in comparison to normal AFI (OR, 3.00; CI, 2.27–4.00). When abnormal Doppler velocimetry was associated with borderline AFI, a 5‐fold increase in the incidence of adverse perinatal outcome was noted (OR, 5.26; CI, 3.00–9.21).Conclusion:  In the borderline AFI group, the presence of abnormal Doppler velocimetry measurement was related to increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome. Thus, borderline AFI of 5–8 cm, especially when associated with abnormal Doppler velocimetry, mandates closer antenatal surveillance.
Complete mole coexistent with a twin fetus
Authors: Ogura Tomonori , Katoh Hidenori , Satoh Shoji , Tsukimori Kiyomi , Hirakawa Toshio , Wake Norio , Nakano Hitoo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe report two cases of a complete hydatidiform mole coexistent with a live fetus diagnosed by DNA polymorphism analysis. A 27‐year‐old woman revealed symptoms of pre‐eclampsia and ultrasound showed multicystic tumor and placenta coexistent with a live fetus at 16 weeks’ gestation. The placenta with partly hydropic change and the fetus without anomaly were consequently evacuated. Another 30‐year‐old woman had a multicystic mass attached to a normal placenta with a 20‐week live fetus on ultrasound examination. A hysterotomy was carried out because of persistent bleeding due to placenta previa. In both cases, DNA was extracted from the placental tissue and the tumor, as well as from maternal and paternal blood. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the placental tumor consisted of only paternal origin, which is consistent with the diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole.
Efficacy, safety and hospital costs of tension‐free vaginal tape and pubovaginal sling in the surgical treatment of stress incontinence
Authors: Kondo Atsuo , Isobe Yasuaki , Kimura Kyousuke , Kamihira Osamu , Matsuura Osamu , Gotoh Momokazu , Ozawa Hideo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAim:  The efficacy, safety and hospital costs of the tension‐free vaginal tape procedure were compared with the pubovaginal sling operation.Methods:  A total of 60 women urodynamically diagnosed as having stress or mixed urinary incontinence were operated on using either the tension‐free vaginal tape or pubovaginal sling operation in a prospective manner. Preoperative characteristics of the women were not significantly different for the groups. The women were followed for up to 24 months.Results:  In the tension‐free vaginal tape group, the operation time was shorter, numbers of analgesics postoperatively required were less and hospital charges were less expensive compared to those in the pubovaginal sling operation (P < 0.01). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed a marginal significant difference (P = 0.059) in the objective cumulative cure rates at 24 months between the groups receiving the former (70.3%) and latter (48.3%) procedures. Subjective cure rates were not significantly different (P = 0.101). In both groups, an improvement in quality of life was significant and surgical complications were identical. De novo urge incontinence developed in 6% and 10% in the former and latter, respectively.Conclusions:  The tension‐free tape was significantly superior to the pubovaginal sling in terms of operation time, postoperative pain, and hospital charges, but not in cure rates. A longer follow up with a larger sample size is necessary to draw definite conclusions.
Insulin detemir improves glycaemic control with less hypoglycaemia and no weight gain in patients with type 2 diabetes who were insulin naive or treated with NPH or insulin glargine: clinical practice experience from a German subgroup of the PREDICTIVE study*
Authors: Meneghini L. F. , Rosenberg K. H. , Koenen C. , Merilainen M. J. , Lüddeke H.‐J. 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  The Predictable Results and Experience in Diabetes through Intensification and Control to Target: An International Variability Evaluation (PREDICTIVE) Study is a large, multi‐centre, observational study assessing the safety and efficacy of insulin detemir in everyday clinical practice.Methods:  This subgroup analysis of the German cohort of PREDICTIVE evaluates over 3 months, patients with type 2 diabetes who were transferred to insulin detemir ± oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) from an OAD‐only regimen (n = 1321), NPH insulin ± OADs (n = 251) or insulin glargine ± OADs (n = 260).Results:  Among all groups, 3 months after starting treatment with insulin detemir, total, daytime and nocturnal hypoglycaemic events/patient were reduced by 84, 80 and 90%, respectively, from baseline. No major hypoglycaemic events were reported during treatment with insulin detemir. HbAlc was significantly reduced from baseline in each of the subgroups (−1.29,−0.60 and−0.59% for patients previously taking OADs only, NPH insulin ± OADs and insulin glargine ± OADs respectively; p < 0.0001), as was fasting blood glucose (FBG) (−58.1,−29.1 and−24.6 mg/dl; p < 0.0001) and FBG variability−8.2 mg/dl,−5.7 mg/dl; p < 0.0001 and −5.1 mg/dl; p = 0.0008). All subgroups combined lost an average of 0.9 kg of body weight (p < 0.0001) during the study. Total daily basal insulin dose increased slightly from baseline for those patients on a prior insulin regimen, and in this study 79% of patients used insulin detemir once daily.Conclusions:  These data confirm the short‐term safety and efficacy of insulin detemir ± OADs in a real‐world scenario and support the findings of randomized controlled clinical trials with insulin detemir, including its limited effects on body weight.
Comparison of the antidiabetic effects of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and thiazolidinediones in obese diabetic mice
Authors: Yamanaka M. , Itakura Y. , Tsuchida A. , Nakagawa T. , Noguchi H. , Taiji M. 
Published: November 2006

Aims: Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) ameliorates glucose metabolism in obese diabeticdb/dbmice. The antidiabetic effect of BDNF is dependent on plasma insulin levels, and BDNF enhances insulin action by modulating insulin signalling in peripheral tissues. The aim of the study was to compare the antidiabetic effects of BDNF with those of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are insulin‐sensitizing agents, through evaluation of the effects of BDNF and TZDs on glucose metabolism, energy expenditure, pancreatic function and hepatic steatosis indb/dbmice.Methods: The effects of BDNF, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone on blood glucose concentration, body weight and pancreatic insulin and glucagon contents and the effects of BDNF and troglitazone treatment for 3 weeks on blood glucose concentration, body and liver weights and histological liver images were examined indb/dbmice. Furthermore, since BDNF reduces food intake in obese hyperphagic diabetic mice, the effects of BDNF treatment for 3 weeks on blood glucose concentration, body weight, fat pad and liver weights and rectal temparature indb/dbmice were compared with those of troglitazone under pair‐fed conditions.Results: BDNF, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone all ameliorated hyperglycaemia indb/dbmice, but BDNF increased the pancreatic insulin content more effectively than pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. The pancreatic glucagon content decreased with BDNF, but increased with pioglitazone and rosiglitazone compared with vehicle, and body weight and liver weight increased with troglitazone, but decreased with BDNF compared with vehicle. Histological analysis of the liver showed that BDNF treatment reduced the massive vacuolization observed with vehicle, whereas troglitazone worsened the vacuolization. Body weight, fat pad and liver weights in BDNF‐treated mice were significantly lower than those in pair‐fed troglitazone‐treateddb/dbmice, and rectal temperature in BDNF‐treated mice was significantly higher than that in pair‐fed troglitazone‐treated mice, suggesting that BDNF enhances energy expenditure.Conclusions: These data suggest that compared with TZDs, BDNF potently ameliorates pancreatic dysfunction, fatty liver and energy expenditure, thereby exerting favourable antidiabetic effects in type 2 diabetic mice.
Improvement of glycaemia control in subjects with type 2 diabetes by self‐monitoring of blood glucose: comparison of two management programs adjusting bedtime insulin dosage
Authors: Chen H.‐S. , Wu T.‐E. , Jap T.‐S. , Lin S.‐H. , Hsiao L.‐C. , Lin H.‐D. 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  Self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is important for patients treated with insulin to detect asymptomatic hypoglycaemia and to guide patients towards reaching blood glucose goal. This study compared two management programs for adjusting bedtime insulin dose: program 1 (performed by study subjects) vs. program 2 (performed by study subjects and reminded by investigators).Methods:  This is a prospective, open‐level, 28‐week randomized trial in poorly controlled type 2 diabetic subjects. One hundred subjects treated with oral antidiabetic drugs plus bedtime insulin with glycated haemoglobin A1C (A1C) >8.0% were screened and received a structure education package in a 4‐week run‐in period. Seventy‐eight subjects were randomized to two treatment programs (adjust insulin dose by themselves with or without investigators’ reminder) and reviewed by the investigators at a 4‐week interval clinical visit.Results:  The mean SMBG decreased significantly in both groups, with a greater decrease observed in program 2 vs. program 1 (from 198.7 ± 43.1 to 122.6 ± 21.9 mg/dl vs. from 194.0 ± 42.7 to 151.6 ± 37.7 mg/dl, p < 0.001). Bedtime insulin dose increased in both groups with a greater increase in program 2 (from 14.4 ± 8.7 to 27.4 ± 12.8 IU vs. from 14.3 ± 8.3 to 18.4 ± 6.2 IU, p < 0.001). There was a significant reduction in A1C from 9.54 ± 1.67% to 7.76 ± 1.27%, with a greater decrease (p < 0.001) in program 2 (2.17%) than in program 1 (1.40%). There were more subjects in the program 2 group achieving the treating targets: mean SMBG ≤120 mg/dl (46.9 vs. 17.9%) and A1C ≤7.0% (54.5 vs. 32.2%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of hypoglycaemia and body weight changes.Conclusions:  Systematically titrating bedtime insulin dose added to oral therapy, especially combined with health care reminders, can safely improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes with poor glycaemic control. This regimen may facilitate safe and effective insulin therapy in routine medical practice and improve achievement of recommended standards of diabetes care.
“But it's Alright, Ma, it's Life, and Life Only”: Radicalism as Survival
Authors: Heynen Nik 
Published: November 2006

Hunger stole upon me so slowly at first. I was not aware of what hunger really meant [emphasis added]. Hunger had always been more or less at my elbow when I played, but now I began to wake up at night to find hunger, staring at me gauntly … this hunger baffled me, scared me, made me angry and insistent … I would grow dizzy and my vision would dim. I became less active in my play, and for the first time in my life I had to pause and think of what was happening to me. (Wright 1977)
Hey, hey Woody Guthrie, I wrote you a song‘Bout a funny ol' world that's a‐comin' along.Seems sick an' it's hungry, it's tired an' it's torn,It looks like it's a‐dyin' an' it's hardly been born.(Bob Dylan 1962)If no one seems to understandStart your own revolution and cut out the middlemanIn a perfect world we'd all sing in tuneBut this is reality so give me some roomSo join the struggle while you mayThe Revolution is just a T‐shirt away(Billy Bragg 1998)