bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex and differentiation: population genetic divergence and sexual dimorphism in Mexican goodeid fish
Authors: RITCHIE M. G. , HAMILL R. M. , GRAVES J. A. , MAGURRAN A. E. , WEBB S. A. , MACÍAS GARCIA C. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractGenetic differentiation arises due to the interaction between natural and sexual selection, migration and genetic drift. A potential role of sexual selection in speciation has received much interest, although comparative studies are inconsistent in finding supporting evidence. A poorly tested prediction is that species subject to a higher intensity of sexual selection should show greater genetic differentiation amongst populations because females from these populations should be more choosy in mate choice. The Goodeinae is a group of endemic Mexican fishes in which female choice has driven some species to be morphologically sexually dimorphic, whereas others are relatively monomorphic. Here, we measured population divergence, using microsatellite loci, within four goodeid species which show contrasting levels of sexual dimorphism. We found higher levels of differentiation between populations of the more dimorphic species, implying less gene flow between populations. We also found evidence of higher levels of genetic differences between the sexes within populations of the dimorphic species, consistent with greater dispersal in males. Adjusted for geographic distance, the mean FST for the dimorphic species is 0.25 compared with 0.16 for the less dimorphic species. We conclude that population differentiation is accelerated in more sexually dimorphic species, and that comparative phylogeography may provide a more powerful approach to detecting processes, such as an influence of sexual selection on differentiation, than broad‐scale comparative studies.
Macroscopic Features of the Arterial Supply to the Reproductive System of the Male Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Authors: Elias M. Z. J. , Aire T. A. , Soley J. T. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryThe macroscopic features of the arterial supply to the reproductive system of the male ostrich was studied in 16 pre‐pubertal and eight sexually mature and active birds. The left and right cranial renal arteries arise from the aorta, between the cranial divisions of the kidneys. These vessels supply the cranial divisions of the kidneys, the testes, the epididymides and the cranial segments of the ducti deferentia. Accessory testicular arteries which arise directly from the aorta are present in 45.8% of the specimens. They supply the testes and cranial parts of the ducti deferentia. They are variable in number and origin, and four variants are identified. A cranial ureterodeferential branch originates from the cranial renal artery, supplies the cranial portion of the ductus deferens and ureter, and runs caudally to anastomose with the middle renal artery. The sciatic artery arises laterally from the aorta, just caudal to the acetabulum, and gives rise, ventrally, to a common trunk, the common renal artery, which divides into the middle and caudal renal arteries. The middle renal artery gives rise to the middle ureterodeferential branch which supplies the middle part of the ductus deferens and ureter. A few centimetres caudal to the kidney, the aorta terminates in three branches, namely, the left and right internal iliac arteries and the median caudal artery. The internal iliac artery divides into the lateral caudal artery and the pudendal artery; the latter gives off caudal ureterodeferential branches that supply the caudal segments of the ductus deferens and ureter. In addition, the pudendal artery gives off vessels that supply the cloaca, some of which continue to the base of the phallus, where they form an arterial network. In conclusion, the pattern of the blood supply to the reproductive organs of the male ostrich is, in general, similar to that of the domestic fowl and pigeon, although there are a few highlighted distinctive features.
A Case of Conjoined Cephalopagus Twinning in an Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Authors: Mazzullo G. , Montalbano G. , Augello A. , Germanà A. , Macrì B. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryConjoined twinnings have been reported in most domestic animal species and in some avian species. Cases of conjoined twins have not been reported in the ostrich so far. A hybrid Blue neck × African black male ostrich conjoined twinning was born at the end of artificial egg incubation and died spontaneously 24 h after the hatching. It was frozen and sent to the Unit of Veterinary Pathology of the University of Messina for gross examination. The most important gross findings involved the external body and most of the internal organs. On the basis of the duplication, the conjoined twins were classified as a cephalopagus. Radiological features included: development of one head containing a single brain, two spinal cords, deviated vertebral columnae with fusion of the two first cervical vertebrae. In one twin, the synsacrum was absent as well as portions of the vertebral column. Grossly, both twins showed two upper and lower limbs each. The gastro‐enteric apparatuses of the twins were not completely developed and fused at different levels. One liver and one heart localized in the centre of the conjoined twins were observed. The authors conclude that the possible causes of the malformation could be related to a genetic factor.
Microvascular Characteristics of the Human Interdental Papilla
Authors: Scardina G. A. , Fucà G. , Messina P. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryThe aim of this study was to observe the microcirculation characteristics of the human interdental papilla in healthy patients in vivo. Twenty healthy patients were examined. Capillaroscopy was used to investigate the characteristics of microcirculation of the human periodontal mucosa. Visibility, course, tortuosity, as well as the average caliber of the capillary loops and the number of visible capillary loops per square millimeter were evaluated for each patient. The investigation of gingival mucosa revealed capillary loops with a course both parallel and perpendicular to the surface. Our study has pointed out that capillaroscopy is a reliable method to study periodontal microcirculation in vivo. This method could be applied to the study of microcirculation in periodontal diseases. Future studies might evaluate whether microcirculation in that area is compromised or not during systemic pathologies involving peripheral microcirculation alterations.
Prenatal Development of the Bovine Oviduct
Authors: Kenngott R. A.‐M. , Sinowatz F. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryIn this study the development of the bovine Fallopian tube was investigated using light microscopic methods. Formation and differentiation of the Müllerian duct were studied in mesonephroi of 16 embryos and fetuses with a crown‐rump lengths (CRL) of 0.9–8.4 cm. The funnel field, the rostral beginning of the Müllerian duct was first observed at a CRL of 0.9 cm. It appears as a thickening of the mesothelium on the craniolateral side of the mesonephros. During later development the Müllerian duct emerges by caudal outgrowth from the funnel field. Formation of a common basal lamina surrounding the caudal tips of Müllerian and Wolffian ducts could be observed at all stages up to CRL of 2.7 cm. The mesothelium and the epithelium of the Wolffian duct adjacent to the Müllerian duct showed a modification of epithelium height in all examined stages. Probably the Wolffian duct influences the growth of Müllerian duct by epithelio‐mesenchymal interactions. Fetuses from a CRL of 12.0 to 94.0 cm were used for investigation of the prenatal differentiation of the oviductal mucosa. Folding of the oviductal mucosa started at a CRL of 29.0 cm and continued until birth. Individual primary, secondary and tertiary folds are formed in special proliferation zones and epithelium‐folding buds. The cellular differentiation of the oviductal epithelium involves the formation of ciliated and secretory cells during different times of prenatal development. Ciliogenesis was first detected at a CRL of 33.0 cm. Active secretory cells could be observed in the oviductal epithelium from a CRL of 64.0 cm onwards.
Candida lusitaniae arthritis in an intravenous drug user
Authors: Jeragh A. , Ahmad S. , Naseem J. , Khan Z. U. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryA case of arthritis of the right knee caused by Candida lusitaniae in a 29‐year‐old intravenous drug abuser is described. The diagnosis was based on the isolation of C. lusitaniae from synovial fluid and was supported by the presence of C. lusitaniae‐specific DNA and high levels of (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan (122 pg ml−1) in the same specimen. While the isolate was susceptible to amphotericin B and fluconazole in vitro, treatment with amphotericin B was not very effective. The patient achieved complete cure with fluconazole therapy only after undergoing synovectomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of arthritis caused by C. lusitaniae in an intravenous drug user.
SURGICAL OUTCOME OF SUPERFICIAL AND DEEP CASTLEMAN DISEASE
Authors: Chen Chih‐Hao , Liu Hung‐Chang , Tung Kwang‐Yi , Lee Jie‐Jen , Liu Chien‐Liang , Liu Tsang‐Pai 
Published: May 2007

Background:  Castleman disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disease of low malignant potential occurring in two forms, unicentric and multicentric. Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy have all been used to manage the disease. In this study, we evaluate whether the site of the lesions, that is, superficial or deep, influences the surgical outcome.Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the records of 20 patients operated on for Castleman disease from 1994 to 2003, of whom 11 patients had superficial disease and 9 had deep lesions. The end‐points of this study were survival and recurrence.Results:  Of the 20 patients, 19 had unicentric (cervical in 8, mediastinal in 5, retroperitoneal in 2, axillary in 2, hepatic in 1, and mesenteric in 1) and 1 had multicentric Castleman disease. Among 19 patients who had complete resection (18 with unicentric and 1 with multicentric disease), there has been no evidence of recurrence.Conclusion:  Whether Castleman disease is superficial or deep has no effect on surgical outcome as long as resection is complete.
A ketamine–propofol admixture does not reduce the pain on injection compared with a lidocaine–propofol admixture
Authors: KAABACHI OLFA , CHETTAOUI OLFA , OUEZINI RAMI , ABDELAZIZ AHMED BEN , CHERIF RAFII , KOKKI HANNU 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground:  Propofol injection pain is a well‐known problem in pediatric anesthesia. Premixture of lidocaine with propofol although effective does not abolish injection pain in all children. Promising results have been reported with pretreatment of the vein with ketamine. The purpose of this prospective, double‐blind randomized, clinical trial with active control was to evaluate the efficacy of premixing propofol with ketamine in the prevention of injection pain in children.Methods:  After ethics committee and parental approval and children’s assent, 116 children, aged 1–12 years, were randomly allocated to receive an IV induction dose of admixture of racemic ketamine 0.5 mg·ml−1 (ketamine group) or lidocaine 1 mg·ml−1 in propofol 10 mg·ml−1 (lidocaine group). The outcome measures were signs and symptoms of injection pain (primary outcome: the incidence of injection pain), hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, and adverse effects during anesthesia induction (secondary outcomes).Results:  Patients’ characteristics were similar in the two groups. Fewer children (13/58) in the lidocaine group than in the ketamine group (26/58) (mean difference 23%, 95% CI for difference 6–40%, P = 0.018) developed pain on injection of propofol. There were no differences in hemodynamic parameters between the two groups. One child in the lidocaine group developed laryngospasm, but no other adverse events were recorded.Conclusions:  Injection pain was twice as common with ketamine–propofol admixture than with lidocaine–propofol admixture.
B‐type natriuretic peptide monitoring in the Pediatric ICU population
Authors: TOBIAS JOSEPH D. , LINDBLADE CHRISTOPHER L. , SCHAMBERGER MARCUS S. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryThe natriuretic peptide system plays an active role in the regulation of fluid balance and systemic vascular resistance. Assays of these peptides are now available and may be used for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Despite its primary use in adults, it may have a diagnostic role in the Pediatric ICU as well. The basic physiology of the natriuretic system is discussed and the potential applications of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) monitoring as a diagnostic tool in various clinical scenarios in infants and children in the Pediatric ICU setting is reviewed.
Development of a diverse epiphyte community in response to phosphorus fertilization
Authors: Benner Jon W. , Vitousek Peter M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe role of terrestrial soil nutrient supply in determining the composition and productivity of epiphyte communities has been little investigated. In a montane Hawaiian rainforest, we documented dramatic increases in the abundance and species richness of canopy epiphytes in a forest that had been fertilized annually with phosphorus (P) for 15 years; there was no response in forest that had been fertilized with nitrogen (N) or other nutrients. The response of N‐fixing lichens to P fertilization was particularly strong, although mosses and non‐N‐fixing lichens also increased in abundance and diversity. We show that enhancement of canopy P availability is the most likely factor driving the bloom in epiphytes. These results provide strong evidence that terrestrial soil fertility may structure epiphyte communities, and in particular that the abundance of N‐fixing lichens – a functionally important epiphyte group – may be particularly sensitive to ecosystem P availability.
Improvement in erectile function on vardenafil treatment correlates with treatment satisfaction in both patients and their partners
Authors: Ralph David , Eardley Ian , Kell Philip , Dean John , Hackett Geoff , Collins Owen , Edwards David 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of vardenafil on both erectile function (EF) and treatment satisfaction (an aspect of quality of life) in men and their partners, as erectile dysfunction (ED) has a profound effect on patients’ quality of life and that of their partners, and treatment for ED tends to be focused on improving functional measures of EF.PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSFor this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, men with ED for >6 months, according to the USA National Institutes of Health Consensus Statement, were recruited. In all, 611 patients were randomized to treatment with either vardenafil (10 mg for 4 weeks, titrated to preferred dose, 5, 10 or 20 mg, during the next 8 weeks, and maintained at preferred dose for the following 14 weeks), or placebo.RESULTSAt 18 weeks (primary endpoint), the mean improvement in the EF domain of International Index of EF (IIEF‐EF) vs baseline was significantly greater with vardenafil than placebo (12.70 vs 1.69, P < 0.001). This was accompanied by significant benefits at 26 weeks and in various secondary variables relating to sexual satisfaction. Qualitative assessment of the treatment effect revealed three categories of importance to patients: effectiveness, confidence and quality of life. There were significant linear correlations between patients’ EF and treatment satisfaction, and between patients’ EF and their partners’ treatment satisfaction.CONCLUSIONSFunctional improvements in response to vardenafil treatment are significantly correlated with treatment satisfaction for both patients with ED and their partners. These findings apply to patients with a wide range of baseline characteristics.
Self‐reported urinary incontinence, voiding frequency, voided volume and pad‐test results: variables in a prospective study in children
Authors: Bael An M. , Lax Hildegard , Hirche Herbert , Gäbel Elisabeth , Winkler Pauline , Hellström Anna‐Lena , Van Zon Roelie , Janhsen Ellen , Güntek Sophie , Renson Catherine , Van Gool Jan D. ,   the European Bladder Dysfunction Study (EC BMH1‐CT94‐1006)
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVETo determine the congruence between self‐reported and objective data on incontinence, voided volume (VV) and voiding frequency (VF), in a prospective study of treatment of functional urinary incontinence (UI) due to urge syndrome or dysfunctional voiding in children.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 202 children, enrolled in the European Bladder Dysfunction Study (EBDS), provided self‐reported data on UI, VV and VF, before and after treatment, with validated questionnaires and 72‐h voiding diaries. Objective data were obtained with uroflowmetry and a 12‐h pad test, also before and after treatment. Questionnaires and diaries were checked and scored by a urotherapist, at scheduled office visits that were combined with uroflowmetry.RESULTSAt entry, parents under‐reported UI on the questionnaires in 45% of cases, compared with the urotherapist’s scores, and the 12‐h pad test sensitivity for UI was only 64% (95% confidence interval 55–73%). The voiding diaries had inconsistent entries on UI and on VV. VF was overestimated in the questionnaires and underestimated in the diaries, compared with the urotherapist’s scores. A VF of >7/day decreased significantly after EBDS treatment, but with no correlation with treatment outcome. The mean VV increased significantly after treatment for UI, also with no correlation with treatment outcome.CONCLUSIONSVoiding diaries and questionnaires are useful tools for charting individual treatment and for screening, but they are ill‐suited to documenting outcome variables in urge syndrome or dysfunctional voiding, because of over‐ and under‐reporting. VV and VF lack specificity as outcome variables in children with urge syndrome or dysfunctional voiding. The 12‐h pad test is not sensitive enough to complement self‐reported symptoms of UI in children with urge syndrome or dysfunctional voiding. Clinical studies on UI rely on complaints and self‐reported symptoms, but in children the reporting should be supervised by a trained urotherapist, to provide the necessary checks and balances.
Do simple questions about diet and physical activity help to identify those at risk of Type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Simmons R. K. , Harding A‐H. , Wareham N. J. , Griffin S. J. ,   on behalf of the EPIC‐Norfolk project team
Published: May 2007

AbstractAims  Diet and physical activity interventions can prevent diabetes in those at high risk due to impaired glucose tolerance. We determined whether simple measures of physical activity and diet predicted incident diabetes and enhanced prediction by known risk factors including age, body mass index and family history.Methods  This was a population‐based prospective cohort study (EPIC‐Norfolk). Participants aged 40–79 years (n = 25 633) attended a health check between 1993 and 1998 and completed diet and activity questionnaires. We assessed the association between simple behavioural indices of physical activity and diet derived from the questionnaires as well as known risk score variables with incident diabetes at follow‐up (mean 4.6 years). We developed a new diabetes risk score incorporating simple behavioural indices in a randomly selected half of the EPIC dataset using forward step‐wise multivariate logistic regression, and tested this score in the remaining half. We compared existing and new scores using receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results  There were 417 incident cases of diabetes during 115 137 years of follow‐up. A simple physical activity index independently predicted risk of diabetes. Eating one or more daily portion of vegetables, fresh fruit and wholemeal bread was associated with reduced risk; whilst eating meat products was associated with increased risk. The area under the ROC curves for the new and original score was the same (76.3%).Conclusions  Simple indices of diet and activity are feasible to collect, predict future diabetes risk and might enhance routine data collection in primary care. However, they do not improve the prediction of risk scores based on known risk factors.
A nursing tool validated as an effective measure over MMSE and FAB in dementia
Authors: Yamashita M. , Kubota T. , Fuchita E. , Yokoyama K. , Hayashi H. , Okamoto S. , Sano E. , Matsuo A. , Shimasue N. , Watanabe T. , Kawashima R. , Sugimoto K. 
Published: May 2007

Aim:  To evaluate the clinical use of the Abilities Assessment Instrument (AAI) when used together with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), thus examining the concurrent validity of the instrument. Also, to evaluate the effect of a learning program administered for elders with dementia.Methods:  Fourteen older people, who were afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, were invited into a learning program. Measures were taken at baseline, at 3 months and 6 months to see the effects of the program. Instruments used in the study were the AAI, the MMSE and the FAB.Findings:  There were statistically significant differences measured by the Japanese version of the AAI in the subjects’ abilities to perform the learning tasks between 3 and 6 months after intervention. No statistical significant differences were noted at any points in time measured by the MMSE or the FAB.Conclusion:  The translated AAI promises to be a valid instrument for nurses’ use in their day‐to‐day assessment of Japanese elders. The AAI appears also to be useful in learning programs with this population, and may have value as a screening tool.
Confidence bounds for the mean in nonparametric multisample problems
Authors: Bentkus V. , Kalosha N. , Van Zuijlen M. C. A. 
Published: May 2007

In auditing practice it often occurs that a statement regarding the accounting error in a population consisting of several subpopulations has to be made. As the relative proportion of errors can differ dramatically across these subpopulations, it is desirable to take independent fixed‐size dollar‐unit samples from each of them, as this often leads to lower variability compared with dollar‐unit sampling from the whole population. It also occurs that the results of the separate investigations of, e.g. different branches of one company need to be combined to make a statement on the bookkeeping quality in general.The problem of estimating the total accounting error is thus related to the problem of estimating linear combinations of the mean values corresponding to several families of identically distributed independent random variables.In this article, we propose several confidence upper bounds for such linear combinations based on Hoeffding‐type inequalities and show how they can be applied to the actual auditing problems. Simulation results comparing these modifications to the Hoeffding‐based bounds for the one‐sample case are also provided. It must be emphasized that the technique that we propose in this paper is fully justified from a mathematical point of view.Although the simulations show the proposed bounds to be highly conservative, they still present great interest, since we are not aware of any other method for estimation of the total accounting error in the multisample setting. Moreover, it is shown that significant improvements are hardly possible given the present conditions.