bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of statin drugs and aspirin on progression in open‐angle glaucoma suspects using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
Authors: De Castro Dawn K , Punjabi Omar S , Bostrom Alan G , Stamper Robert L , Lietman Thomas M , Ray Kathryn , Lin Shan C 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To determine the effect of statins and aspirin on the rate of progression of optic nerve parameters in open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) suspects, as defined by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO).Methods:  Data of OAG suspects who had undergone at least two CSLO tests at the Beckman Vision Center at UCSF from January 2001 to June 2006 was collected. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 149 eyes from 76 patients considered suspect for glaucoma based on a cup‐to‐disc ratio >0.5, but with normal intraocular pressures (IOP) and visual fields. Subjects included glaucoma suspects who took statin drugs or aspirin for greater than 23 months. The control group consisted of suspects who never used statins or aspirin. The data were analysed using mixed effects regression.Results:  When comparing controls with the statin group there were significant differences in the progression of multiple CSLO parameters per year, including rim volume (−13.7% controls, +26.7% statin only; P = 0.0156), retinal nerve fibre layer cross‐sectional area (−12.2% controls, +24.3% statin only; P = 0.0051), and mean global retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (−10.3% controls, +26.6% statin only; P = 0.0114), with adjustment for age, gender, race, IOP, central corneal thickness, refractive error and multiple systemic comorbidities. No significant differences were found when comparing subjects taking a statin plus aspirin or aspirin alone with the controls.Conclusions:  Statin drugs may be associated with slowed progression of optic nerve parameters in glaucoma suspects as measured by CSLO.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for a fig‐pollinating wasp (Ceratosolen sp. 1) of Ficus septica
Authors: LIN RONG‐CHIEN , HUANG CHUAN‐CHIN , LI SHOU‐HSIEN 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFor an undescribed fig‐pollinating wasp (Ceratosolen sp. 1) of Ficus septica, we isolated 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers from a genomic library partially enriched for GATA and CAG repeats. Polymorphism of these loci was evaluated by genotyping 40 female individuals collected from different fruits of host trees in southern Taiwan. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 15 and the observed heterozygosity of each locus ranged from 0.100 to 0.775. These loci would be suitable for further studies concerning population genetics, hybridization and sex ratio adjustment of the coexisting fig‐pollinating wasps.
Simple identification of mitochondrial lineages in contact zones based on lineage‐selective primers
Authors: LINDELL JOHAN , MURPHY ROBERT W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA variety of research projects focus on genetic variation among and within maternal lineages as encompassed by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). While mtDNA often differs substantially between species, large differences may also be found within species. The evaluation of such divergent lineages, for example in intraspecific contact zones (hybrid zones), commonly involves sequencing numerous individuals. Large‐scale sequencing is both expensive and labour‐intensive. Based on sequences from 15 individuals, we devised a simple and quick polymerase chain reaction assay for identification of divergent mtDNA lineages in a secondary contact zone of the side‐blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana). The application uses lineage‐selective primers to amplify a lineage‐diagnostic product, and is based on each group of mtDNA haplotypes being a monophyletic assemblage of haplotypes sharing the same maternal ancestry, deeply divergent from the other group. The assay was tested on a larger sample (n = 147) of specimens from the contact zone, confirming its usefulness in quick and reliable identification of mtDNA lineages. This approach can be modified for other species, provided diagnostic lineage variation is available, and may also be performed in simple laboratory settings while conducting fieldwork.
The association between intimacy goals and plans for initiating dating relationships
Authors: SANDERSON CATHERINE A. , KEITER EMILY J. , MILES MICHAEL G. , YOPYK DARREN J. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis research examines the association between the strength of an individual’s intimacy goals in dating and preferences for dating partners, relationship initiation strategies, and contexts in which to pursue dating. Two studies demonstrate that intimacy goal strength positively corresponds with preferring partners who have strong intimacy and are warm and open, similar in attitudes and interests, and securely attached. The strength of intimacy goals also positively corresponds with the perceived use and effectiveness of emotional involvement as a strategy for initiating dating and negatively with meeting potential partners at campus parties. Data collected at a 4‐month follow‐up indicate that a stronger focus on intimacy goals is associated with entering a dating relationship for men, but not for women.
Scripting sexual passivity: A gender role perspective
Authors: KIEFER AMY K. , SANCHEZ DIANA T. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn two studies, we demonstrate that attitudes toward traditional sexual roles are linked with increased sexual passivity for women but decreased passivity for men. For both genders, sexual passivity predicts poor sexual functioning and satisfaction. Study 1 showed that endorsement of traditional sexual roles of male dominance and female passivity relates to greater sexual passivity among college‐aged heterosexual women but less passivity for college‐aged heterosexual men. For both young men and women, greater sexual passivity predicts less overall sexual satisfaction. The findings for Study 2 replicate Study 1 among sexually experienced adults recruited over the Internet. Autonomy mediated these relationships, which persisted when controlling for multiple potential confounds.
Misoprostol to induce labour: A review of its use in a NSW hospital
Authors: ROBERTS Lynne M. , HOMER Caroline S. E. , DAVIS Gregory K. , MILLER Trent D. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground:  Induction of labour (IOL) is a common procedure in maternity care. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analogue that is effective, cheap and easily stored but not licensed for this use in Australia. Despite evidence supporting the use of misoprostol for IOL, few Australian maternity units use it.Aims:  To review the outcomes of women who received vaginal misoprostol for IOL.Methods:  A retrospective review of all births induced with vaginal misoprostol from July 1998 to October 2005 at one hospital in New South Wales. Women who had an IOL for multiple pregnancy, known fetal death or congenital abnormality were excluded.Results:  In total, 1998 women with a normal, viable, single fetus received vaginal misoprostol for IOL. More than half (57%) of women did not require augmentation during labour. More than one third (37%) had epidural analgesia, 25% had an emergency Caesarean section, 7% had a post‐partum haemorrhage and 16% of babies were admitted to the special care nursery. Uterine rupture occurred in two women, one of whom had a history of uterine surgery. There were two neonatal deaths, both because of Group B Streptococcus infection.Conclusions:  In this cohort of women, misoprostol was an effective and safe agent to induce labour. Recent legal concerns at this hospital make its future use in normal clinical practice unlikely.
Screening for gestational diabetes: The effect of varying blood glucose definitions in the prediction of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes
Authors: DODD Jodie M. , CROWTHER Caroline A. , ANTONIOU Georgia , BAGHURST Peter , ROBINSON Jeffrey S. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground:  Impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy and gestational diabetes are associated with increased maternal and fetal risks. There is considerable uncertainty in the literature relating to the merits of screening for gestational diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance, and variable definitions in the cut‐off values to be used.Aims:  To assess different levels of glucose intolerance in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.Methods:  Retrospective cohort study involving screening pregnant women with a 50‐g oral glucose load, followed by a formal 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test for women who screened positive (defined as a plasma glucose level ≥ 7.8 mmol/L). Plasma glucose results were correlated with pregnancy and birth outcomes, and receiver–operator curves were constructed.Results:  A total of 16 975 women were screened with a glucose challenge test, with pregnancy outcome information available for 1804 women who screened positive on glucose challenge test. With increasing plasma glucose values, there was a significant increase in pre‐eclampsia, Caesarean section, shoulder dystocia and neonatal hypoglycaemia.Conclusions:  The risk of adverse maternal and infant pregnancy outcomes increases with increasing levels of glucose impairment despite treatment.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma agonist rosiglitazone reduces the size of experimental endometriosis in the rat model
Authors: AYTAN Hakan , CALISKAN Ahmet C. , DEMIRTURK Fazli , AYTAN Pelin , KOSEOGLU Dogan R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground:  The effect of rosiglitazone, an activator of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma, on the growth of ectopic uterine tissue was assessed.Methods:  Endometriosis was surgically induced in 28 rats by transplanting an autologous fragment of endometrial tissue onto the inner surface of the abdominal wall. Four weeks later, rats were randomly grouped and a second laparatomy was performed. The length, width, height and volume of the explants were measured. Rosiglitazone at 0.2 mg/kg/day was orally administered to one group, while vehicle treatment was given to the control group. Four weeks later, rats were sacrificed and ectopic uterine tissues were re‐evaluated morphologically and histologically. Scoring system was used to evaluate the preservation of epithelia.Results:  One rat in the study group and two rats in the control group died as a result of complications related to surgery. There was a significant difference in post‐treatment length, width, height, and spherical volumes between control and rosiglitazone‐treated groups. The epithelia were found to be preserved significantly better in the control group when compared with the rosiglitazone‐treated group.Conclusion:  Rosiglitazone was found to cause regression of experimental endometriosis in rats.
ASDIN Original Investigations: Myocardial Abscess and Fatal Cardiac Arrhythmia in a Hemodialysis Patient with an Arterio‐venous Fistula Infection
Authors: Khan Behram , Strate Randall W. , Hellman Richard 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMyocardial abscess formation is a life‐threatening complication that is frequently but not exclusively associated with infective endocarditis. To our knowledge there are only two case reports of myocardial abscess formation in hemodialysis patients. Only one of these reports describes a myocardial abscess of bacterial etiology secondary to an infected intravascular hemodialysis catheter. Furthermore, there are no reports of bacterial myocardial abscess occurring in a hemodialysis patient with an infected arteriovenous fistula. Myocardial abscess can manifest in a variety of clinical scenarios ranging from an asymptomatic state to a catastrophic myocardial wall rupture. In the case described, the myocardial abscess lead to a rapidly progressive course consisting of recurrent cardiac arrhythmias that were ultimately fatal. Our case involved the formation of a myocardial abscess in the presence of a methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia without any evidence of infective endocarditis. We report this case to call attention to the possibility of bacterial myocardial abscess occurring with infection of an arteriovenous fistula in a hemodialysis patient, which can manifest as recurrent severe cardiac arrhythmias refractory to medical therapy.
REGULATION OF PROLINE METABOLISM UNDER SALT STRESS IN THE PSYCHROPHILIC DIATOM FRAGILARIOPSIS CYLINDRUS (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Krell Andreas , Funck Dietmar , Plettner Ina , John Uwe , Dieckmann Gerhard 
Published: July 2007

Fragilariopsis cylindrus (Grunow) Willi Krieger, a bipolar psychrophilic and highly abundant diatom, experiences strong shifts in salinity during the formation of sea ice. We investigated the effects of osmotic stress due to an increased salt concentration from 34 to 70 practical salinity units (PSU) in conjunction with a temperature decrease from 0°C to −4°C on the anabolic and catabolic pathways of proline metabolism. Gene expression levels of Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthase (P5CS) strongly decreased by a factor of 17.3 in the 70 PSU/0°C treatment, whereas copy numbers of ornithine δ‐aminotransferase (δ‐OAT) increased 7.6‐fold. Transcript levels of Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate reductase (P5CR) and proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) were also slightly up‐regulated by 2.5 and 2.88, respectively. This contrasts with findings in higher plants where a reverse regulation of P5CS and δ‐OAT was observed and indicates that under elevated external salinities, the ornithine route is preferred to the glutamate pathway in F. cylindrus. Photosynthetic quantum yield at PSII instantly dropped from 0.61 to 0.24 after the upshift in salinity, which confirmed a detrimental effect of elevated salt concentrations on the photosynthetic machinery. Reduced photosynthetic energy capture might explain the preference for the ornithine route over the more energyconsuming proline route. Salt proved to be the dominating stressor, while an additional temperature decrease appeared to have an ameliorating effect.
Does Scopolamine Block the Development of Ethanol‐Induced Behavioral Sensitization?
Authors: Takahashi Shirley , Fornari Raquel Vechio , Quadros Isabel Marian Hartmann , Oliveira Maria Gabriela Menezes , Souza‐Formigoni Maria Lucia Oliveira 
Published: July 2007

Background:  The cholinergic system is important in learning processes and probably influences behavioral sensitization to drugs. This study examined the effects of scopolamine (scop), a muscarinic antagonist, on the behavioral sensitization to ethanol (EtOH) stimulant effect in mice.Methods:  In experiments 1 and 2, male Swiss albino mice received saline or 1.0 mg/kg scop (s.c.) + saline or EtOH (i.p). (1.0 g/kg in experiment 1 and 2.2 g/kg in experiment 2), for 21 days. Locomotor activity (LA) was recorded once a week, being the treatment withdrawn for 7 days after the last test. On the 28th day (challenge 1), they were evaluated under saline or EtOH. In experiment 2, 3 days after the first challenge, they were tested in an open‐field arena, under saline or 2.2 g/kg EtOH. Three days after this, mice were tested under saline or 1.0 mg/kg scop in the activity cages.Results:  Acutely, EtOH and scop did not alter the LA. However, when both drugs were coadministered, a significant reduction was observed. During the treatment, tolerance to the depressor effect was developed and behavioral sensitization observed only in the saline + 2.2 EtOH group. In challenge 1, the groups scop + 1.0 EtOH, saline + 2.2 EtOH, and scop + 2.2 EtOH presented higher levels of LA than that of the control groups. However, in challenge 2, conducted in a different setting, no differences between groups were observed. In challenge 3, when the animals received scop, both groups pretreated with 2.2 g/kg EtOH (saline + 2.2 EtOH and scop + 2.2 EtOH groups) presented higher levels of activity suggesting an interaction between EtOH and scop.Conclusions:  Although the coadministration of scopolamine had impaired the observation of sensitization on the 21st day test, when the group scop + EtOH was challenged with scop + EtOH, it seems that the scop just masked the observation, but did not impair the development, of the EtOH‐sensitization observed in the challenge with EtOH alone. The higher levels of LA in groups pretreated with EtOH only in the cages but not in the open‐field arena confirm the importance of environmental factors, such as the context of drug administration and testing.
Transaction costs, strategic interaction, and farm restructuring
Authors: Buduru Bogdan , Brem Markus 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article offers a transaction cost explanation for the different paths of organizational adjustment in the case of the former state and collective farms in Czech Republic after 1989. The focus is the strategic interaction among the stakeholders in the agricultural organization undergoing restructuring. In the presence of a neutral institutional environment, the number of players involved in the intraorganizational process, their ability to make collective decisions, and their perceived payoffs in alternative farming structures determine the restructuring outcome. These factors influence the choice between maintaining the inherited deployment of assets and the creation of a deeply restructured organization. Empirical results based on a farm‐level data set support this basic idea.
Susceptibility of Middle Adolescent Females to Sexually Transmitted infections: Impact of Hormone Contraception and Sexual Behaviors on Vaginal Immunity
Authors: Barousse Melissa M. , Theall Katherine P. , Van Der Pol Barbara , Fortenberry J. Dennis , Orr Donald P. , Fidel Paul L. 
Published: July 2007

Problem  The resistance and/or susceptibility to infections can be influenced by patterns of immunomodulators. Based on this and the high rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adolescents, we examined the longitudinal relationship between sexual behaviors, hormonal contraceptive use, and bacterial vaginosis (BV) with vaginal‐associated immunomodulators in adolescent females.Method of study  Over 27 months, subjects completed detailed questionnaires, and consented to vaginal swabs for STI testing, and vaginal lavages for identification of immunomodulators including T‐helper, proinflammatory, and chemokines. Concentrations of immunomodulators were correlated with each parameter together with prevalence of STIs.Results  Each parameter had a limited influence on vaginal immunomodulators with no evidence of any pattern(s) associated with infection. Conversely, the local presence of proinflammatory cytokines and neutrophils in those with an STI indicated some immune responsiveness.Conclusion  Sexual behaviors, contraceptive usage, and BV do not appear as factors in susceptibility of adolescents to STIs through the influence of local immunomodulators.
A nation wide investigation of the rate of diffusion of computerized medical records as reported by nursing staff
Authors: KURODA Yuko , KASHIWAGI Kimikazu , HAYASHI Miyoko , NAKAYAMA Eijun , ODA Masae , YAMASE Hiroaki , NAKAKI Takao 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAim:  Nursing records maintained by nurses have begun to be computerized in Japan. This study was intended to identify the rate of diffusion of computerized medical records, as reported by nursing staff on the basis of bed size, organizational category, and area with an accessible population of hospitals with ≥100 beds.Methods:  A quantitative, descriptive design was employed. A total of 4738 hospitals registered in Japan as of June 2004 with ≥100 beds were examined for this study. A reply paid postcard was mailed and the questions on the response card consisted of four demographic variables in relation to the hospitals and the electronic medical record (EMR) implementation status. SPSS V.12 was used for the statistical analysis.Results:  A majority of hospitals reported that they had no plan for implementation. Complete and partial implementation peaked in 2004. A high percentage of medium‐sized hospitals indicated complete or partial implementation. A high percentage of large hospitals was preparing implementation or had an implementation plan. There was no relationship between city and rural groups in terms of implementation status.Conclusions:  The study results indicated that an overwhelming majority of the hospitals had no plan for the implementation of EMRs. The hospital size and organizational type were linked to the prevalence of EMRs rather than the region. As a result of the limits of the study method, the full details regarding computerized nursing records were not investigated. Relativity among computerization, quality of health care, and health achievements also was not researched. In the future, the interrelationships among the issues arising from computerizing medical records in hospital information systems (HISs), the functions and roles of nurses and physicians, and health achievements should be studied, while capturing the HIS status in other occupations.
Photosynthesis on individual leaves of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) during the ontogeny at variable water regimes
Authors: Monti A. , Barbanti L. , Venturi G. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIt is well known that the extent of yield reduction depends not only on the severity of water stress but also on the stage of plant development. Assessing photosynthetic response of individual leaves to water deficit during the ontogeny may, therefore, offer a clue to better understand the whole plant behaviour. This research aimed at investigating the influence of early and late water stress on net photosynthesis (Pn), carbon‐isotope discrimination and other related traits on individual leaves during ontogeny. Sugar beet plants were grown in rain‐sheltered soil columns of relevant volume (300  L), subdivided into well‐watered (WW); early (S1) and late (S2) stress. In general, water stress significantly reduced leaf lifespan and Pn. Relieving the stress at about one‐third and two‐thirds of potential leaf life substantially restored Pn at the levels of WW. Stressing a previously WW leaf brought about a comparatively heavier loss than stressing a leaf since the beginning. As for leaves at different phenological times, the early leaves had higher initial photosynthetic peaks but steeper falls during their lives. An insight into the relationships between Pn and substomatal CO2 concentration (Ci) shows that in mature leaves the photosynthetic restoration following stress relief did not entail a full recovery of the electron transport rate, the parameter most severely affected by the stress. The partial reversibility of the effects of water deficiency, associated to the anticipated leaf senescence and to the natural slow‐down of net assimilation during leaf life, may be seen as a key factor in predicting to what extent the plant can tolerate drought and the damages caused by water stress.
What Is a Natural River?
Authors: Wohl Ellen , Merritts Dorothy J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractForm and process in rivers around the world reflect a long history of human influences, but the effects of these influences are often not readily apparent to the casual observer. Progressive alteration of rivers over a period of decades to centuries as a result of land‐use patterns influences expectations for the appearance of natural rivers. These expectations in turn help to govern strategies of river restoration, which is being increasingly practiced in industrialized countries. This article uses examples from three regions in the United States – headwater streams in the Rocky Mountains, streams in the mid‐Atlantic piedmont region of the eastern United States, and coastal rivers of the Puget Lowland in the western United States – to explore how historical land‐use patterns continue to influence contemporary river form and process, and the implications of these historical effects for understanding and managing rivers. If restoration is designed to facilitate natural river form and process, then it becomes critical to understand how human activities have altered rivers. Such an understanding defines the limits within which restoration can be undertaken and provides a conceptual framework for adaptive management of river restoration.