bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling the relationship between sexual reproduction and rhizome growth inPosidonia oceanica(L.) Delile
Authors: Calvo Sebastiano , Lovison Gianfranco , Pirrotta Maria , Di Maida Germana , Tomasello Agostino , Sciandra Mariangela 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe relationship between flowering and growth performance ofPosidonia oceanica(L.) Delile in meadows distributed along the south‐eastern coast of Sicily (Italy) was investigated by means of a statistical model (generalized linear mixed model) combined with the lepidochronological analysis. Over a 28‐year period, 67 floral stalk remains were observed. The highest flowering index was recorded in lepidochronological year 1998 (10.1%) and the Inflorescence Frequency per age showed a clear decrease corresponding to 15‐year‐old shoots. The sexual reproductive event had positive effects on rhizome elongation (cm year−1) and leaf production (no. leaves year−1) in the same flowering year, whilst no effect on the rhizome production (mg year−1) was observed. Rhizome growth variables showed significant negative lagged responses in the two years following flowering. On the whole, we calculated that the effect exerted by flowering, in terms of loss on rhizome elongation and production, was about 27% and 38%, respectively. Although it has been demonstrated that recovery from the stress induced by sexual reproduction is limited to the two years after flowering, the magnitude of the reproductive cost may become quite considerable especially in comparison with the whole lifespan of individual shoots.
Chlamydosporulation of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis on mustard agar
Authors: Girish Kumar C. P. , Menon T. , Prabu D. , Nandhakumar B. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryChlamydospores are distinctive morphological forms characteristic of Candida albicans, a phenomenon shared only with the closely related species Candida dubliniensis. The production of chlamydospores has remained an important diagnostic criterion for the differentiation of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis from other yeast. We herein describe a new medium, mustard agar, for chlamydosporulation in Candida. All the strains of C. dubliniensis and C. albicans tested produced chlamydospores on mustard agar, whereas none of the other five species produced chlamydospores.
Fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients: is previous antibiotic therapy an essential condition?
Authors: Guimarães Rosa Nuno , Silva Sónia , Lopes José António , Branco Patrícia , De Almeida Edgar , Ribeiro Carlos , Abreu Fernando , Barbas José , Martins Prata M. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryThe aim of this study was to analyse the clinical and microbiological features of fungal peritonitis, in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients, focusing on non‐traditional risk factors for this feared complication. From 2001 to 2004, five episodes of fungal peritonitis were diagnosed in five different patients, accounting for 4.5% of all peritonitis cases seen during this period. Candida spp. were the most frequent isolates. In all cases, peritoneal dialysis catheter removal and switching to haemodialysis were necessary. In these five cases of fungal peritonitis only one was preceded by antibiotic use, within the previous 3 months, the classical risk factor for fungal peritonitis. Identifying predisposing factors usually not taken into account, may lead to an early diagnosis and to a better understanding of fungal peritonitis pathogenesis.
Deep dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum: report of two cases
Authors: Gong J. Q. , Liu X. Q. , Xu H. B. , Zeng X. S. , Chen W. , Li X. F. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryTwo patients presenting with subcutaneous nodules, plaques, papules and ulceration caused by Trichophyton rubrum are described in this report. The first case was a 46‐year‐old woman referred with erythema and desquamation over her trunk, hands and feet for 30 years, progressing to nodules and ulceration over her trunk, arms and scalp for the last 2 years. The second case was a 34‐year‐old man who presented with a 2‐year‐history of itchy, erythema and desquamation over the trunk, progressing to papules, nodules and cyst around his ear, on the neck and scalp for 1 year. The diagnoses were suspected after direct microscopical examinations of the discharge materials, which revealed the presence of hyaline hyphae. The histological examinations showed granulomatous inflammatory infiltrates with fungal elements in the dermis including epithelioid cells, giant cells, lymphocytes and eosinophils, and the periodic acid‐Schiff stain showed hypha within the granulomas. Cultures of puncture materials, skin biopsies and nails confirmed the diagnosis identifying T. rubrum. Antifungal therapies with itraconazole were successful in both patients, the lesions were completely clear with atrophic scars after 3 months. Side effects were not noticed during the medication. We discuss the clinical types of granulomatous cutaneous lesions caused by dermatophyte infections and evaluate the therapeutic effect of itraconazole.
Plasma and gastric mucosal 5‐hydroxytryptamine concentrations following cold water intake in patients with diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Zuo Xiu Li , Li Yan Qing , Yang Xiao Zhong , Guo Min , Guo Yu Ting , Lu Xue Feng , Li Jun Man , Desmond Paul V 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the effects of cold water intake on 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and its metabolite 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid (5‐HIAA) in diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (d‐IBS) patients, and to observe the relationship between 5‐HT and symptomatology.Methods:  The plasma 5‐HT/5‐HIAA concentrations at 0, 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, 150 min and 180 min following cold or warm water intake were investigated in 32 female subjects with d‐IBS and 21 healthy female subjects. Gastric mucosal 5‐HT under fasting conditions and following water intake were further investigated in 15 d‐IBS patients and nine healthy subjects. Symptomatology was assessed throughout the study.Results:  The plasma 5‐HT concentrations in IBS patients were significantly higher than those of controls at 30 min (P = 0.022), 60 min (P < 0.001), 90 min (P < 0.001), 120 min (P < 0.001) and 150 min (P = 0.001) after cold water intake. The peak plasma 5‐HT/5‐HIAA and area under the curve for 5‐HT/5‐HIAA were also higher in d‐IBS patients (P < 0.001). Gastric mucosal 5‐HT in d‐IBS patients and controls did not show any significant differences both under fasting condition (P = 0.596) and after cold water intake (P = 0.426). Last, the d‐IBS patients with symptoms had higher 5‐HT concentration (P < 0.001) and there was a positive correlation (r = 0.714, P = 0.001)between the symptomatology and plasma 5‐HT level.Conclusions:  These data suggest that symptomatology following cold water intake may be associated with increased plasma 5‐HT concentrations in female subjects with d‐IBS.
Induced hypothyroidism accelerates the regression of liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Bruck Rafael , Weiss Sigal , Traister Alexandra , Zvibel Isabel , Aeed Hussein , Halpern Zamir , Oren Ran 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  It has been shown in previous studies that hypothyroidism prevents the development of liver fibrosis in bile duct ligated rats and in rats chronically treated with thioacetamide (TAA). In recent years, regression of liver fibrosis (occurring spontaneously or during treatment) has been demonstrated in rodent models such as bile duct ligation and CCl4 administration. Therefore, in the present study, the potential therapeutic effect of hypothyroidism on liver fibrosis was investigated.Methods:  Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by administration of TAA (200 mg/kg, i.p., twice weekly) for 12 weeks. Hypothyroidism was then induced by either methimazole (0.04%) or propylthiouracil (0.05%) administered in drinking water for 8 weeks. Control euthyroid rats received normal drinking water. Hypothyroidism was confirmed by a significant elevation of serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone levels.Results:  Eight weeks after the cessation of TAA administration, spleen weight, histological score of liver fibrosis, and hepatic hydroxyproline content were significantly lower in both groups of hypothyroid rats as compared to euthyroid controls (P < 0.001). In vitro studies using the rat hepatic stellate cell line HSC‐T6 using northern blot analysis and zymography, respectively, showed that high concentrations of triiodotyronine (T3) enhanced transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β‐induced collagen I gene expression, and reduced metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 secretion, implying that reducing the levels of T3 may contribute to resolution of fibrosis. Additionally, low T3 concentration inhibited HSC‐T6 proliferation.Conclusion:  Pharmacologically induced hypothyroidism accelerates the resolution of liver fibrosis in rats. This beneficial effect may in part be due to prevention of T3‐induced stimulation of collagen synthesis and reduction of MMP‐2 secretion.
Effects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on the development of metabolic disorders
Authors: Fan Jian‐Gao , Li Fen , Cai Xiao‐Bo , Peng Yong‐De , Ao Qing‐Hong , Gao Yan 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered to be the liver component of metabolic syndrome. However, the impact of NAFLD on metabolic syndrome is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of NAFLD on the development of metabolic disorders.Methods:  Patients with NAFLD and an age, sex, and occupation‐matched control group were recruited from employees of Bao‐Steel Group (Shanghai, China) who had received medical check‐ups biennially between 1995 and 2002. Anthropometric and laboratory data, and incidence of metabolic disorders were assessed at baseline and at follow‐up of at least 4 years. SPSS 11.5 was used for statistical analysis.Results:  The study consisted of 358 patients (326 men and 32 women) and 788 matched controls (711 men and 77 women) with a similar mean age of 39.0 years and median follow‐up of 6 years. At the end of follow‐up, incidence of obesity (47.6% vs 19.5%), hypertension (69.6% vs 16.3%), hypertriglyceridemia (39.1% vs 16.3%), hypercholesterolemia (24.5% vs 17.3%), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (25.1% vs 11.6%), diabetes mellitus (20.3% vs 5.2%) and multiple metabolic disorders (MMD) (56.3% vs 16.3%) were significantly higher in the fatty liver group than the control group. Interestingly, the mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in patients with fatty liver significantly decreased at follow‐up compared with baseline (28.56 ± 18.86 vs 31.51 ± 18.34 U/L, P < 0.05). To separate the effects of obesity from fatty liver, the subjects were re‐classified according to the presence of obesity and fatty liver at baseline. The incidence of hypertension (61.1% vs 41.3%), hypertriglyceridemia (38.1% vs 15.0%), hypercholesterolemia (29.9% vs 16.6%), IFG (21.3% vs 10.0%) and diabetes (11.1% vs 4.3%) were significantly higher in the fatty liver group without obesity (n = 84) than in the group with without fatty liver or obesity (n = 614). In addition, the incidence of hypertension (72.9% vs 57.4%), hypertriglyceridemia (39.4% vs 22.7%) and diabetes (23.2% vs 8.4%) was higher in the group with fatty liver and obesity (n = 274) than in the group with obesity alone (n = 174).Conclusions:  The presence of NAFLD might predict the development of metabolic disorders due to insulin resistance, rather than obesity itself. ALT levels decreased over time in patients with fatty liver.
Collaboration between university hospitals and local medical communities in Japan evaluated by a questionnaire among doctors
Authors: Tanaka Makoto , Yokode Masayuki 
Published: November 2006

Background:  To provide quality medical service in a society with many elderly, university hospitals should clearly define their roles and contribute to the establishment of an integrated, comprehensive medical system.Methods:  In this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey of doctors working at Kyoto University Hospital and at private practices in Kyoto about their attitude toward collaboration between the university hospital and private practices and asked their opinions on the role of university hospitals in the local medical community.Results:  The survey showed that doctors both at the university hospital and in private practice regarded close collaboration as important, but also highlighted obstacles and problems that block collaboration.Conclusion:  Overcoming these problems and constructing collaboration models will be a key for university hospitals to fully contribute to establishing a quality medical system.
Factors associated with falling in patients with Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism: An assessment using the Tinetti Gait and Balance Scale
Authors: Morita Yukari , Osaki Yasushi , Doi Yoshinori 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  To identify factors associated with falling, we assessed the Tinetti Gait and Balance Scale (TGBS) for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonism (AP), and assessed the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) for patients with PD.Methods:  A cross sectional study was conducted in a university hospital, with the subject constituting 30 PD patients and 22 AP patients. Each item included in the TGBS and the UPDRS part III were scored in the clinical setting. Fallers were categorized if the patient experienced at least one fall in the prior six‐month period.Results:  Thirty‐five patients were categorized as fallers. When comparing PD fallers and PD non‐fallers, a subscore comprising a sum with ‘walk stance’ and ‘nudge on sternum’ in the TGBS showed a significant difference. Total UPDRS part III score indicated a significant difference during the medication ON period, whereas the difference was insignificant during the medication OFF period. The presence of dyskinesia or freezing of gait was not different. In addition, ‘walk stance’ only in the TGBS showed a significant difference between PD fallers and AP fallers.Conclusions:  We concluded that ‘walk stance’ and ‘nudge on sternum’ in the TGBS may be useful for evaluating factors associated to falling in PD. ‘Walk stance’ item merits inclusion into routine assessment in PD in addition to UPDRS part III.
Under‐detection of depressed mood in older inpatients and related over‐prescription of depression‐associated medications
Authors: Castel Hana , Shahar Danit , German Larissa , Harman‐Boehm Ilana 
Published: November 2006

Background: Aging is associated with increased prevalence of depression and with increased use of medications. The aims of this study were to determine the rate of recognition of depressive symptoms and the prevalence of depressed mood among aged inpatients, as well as to assess the use of medications known to enhance depression in this population.Methods: A cross‐sectional study of cognitively intact patients aged 65 and over, in a general medical ward, was undertaken. Depressed mood was identified using the Geriatric Depression Screening Scale. Data on diagnoses, prescribed medications, psychiatry consultations and medication changes were abstracted from medical charts. Two years following the index hospitalization, data on diagnoses during subsequent admissions were abstracted from computerized records.Results: The study sample comprised 183 elderly patients. 27.3% of them displayed depressed mood. None were diagnosed as suffering from depression, referred to psychiatric consultation, or prescribed antidepressant medication. All patients but one received depression‐enhancing medications. Only in four cases were these medications stopped, without attributing the cessation to awareness of the mood disturbance and the potential association with the stopped medication. During the subsequent two years, a state of depression was recorded in only three additional patients.Conclusion: Under‐recognition of depressed mood leads to inappropriate management of aged inpatients. Initiation or continuation of depression‐associated medications, resulting from under‐recognition of depression, may contribute to the prevalence and augment the severity of this disorder.
Traditional cattle manure application determines abundance, diversity and activity of methanogenic Archaea in arable European soil
Authors: Gattinger Andreas , Höfle Manfred G. , Schloter Michael , Embacher Arndt , Böhme Frank , Munch Jean Charles , Labrenz Matthias 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBased on lipid analyses, 16S rRNA/rRNA gene single‐strand conformation polymorphism fingerprints and methane flux measurements, influences of the fertilization regime on abundance and diversity of archaeal communities were investigated in soil samples from the long‐term (103 years) field trial in Bad Lauchstädt, Germany. The investigated plots followed a gradient of increasing fertilization beginning at no fertilization and ending at the ‘cattle manure’ itself. The archaeal phospholipid etherlipid (PLEL) concentration was used as an indicator for archaeal biomass and increased with the gradient of increasing fertilization, whereby the concentrations determined for organically fertilized soils were well above previously reported values. Methane emission, although at a low level, were occasionally only observed in organically fertilized soils, whereas the other treatments showed significant methane uptake. Euryarchaeotal organisms were abundant in all investigated samples but 16S rRNA analysis also demonstrated the presence of Crenarchaeota in fertilized soils. Lowest molecular archaeal diversity was found in highest fertilized treatments. Archaea phylogenetically most closely related to cultured methanogens were abundant in these fertilized soils, whereas Archaea with low relatedness to cultured microorganisms dominated in non‐fertilized soils. Relatives of Methanoculleus spp. were found almost exclusively in organically fertilized soils or cattle manure. Methanosarcina‐related microorganisms were detected in all soils as well as in the cattle manure, but soils with highest organic application rate were specifically dominated by a close phylogenetic relative of Methanosarcina thermophila. Our findings suggest that regular application of cattle manure increased archaeal biomass, but reduced archaeal diversity and selected for methanogenic Methanoculleus and Methanosarcina strains, leading to the circumstance that high organic fertilized soils did not function as a methane sink at the investigated site anymore.
Evaluation of findings during re‐exploration for obstructive ileus after radical cystectomy and ileal‐loop urinary diversion: insight into potential technical improvements
Authors: Varkarakis Ioannis M. , Chrisofos Michalis , Antoniou Nikolaos , Papatsoris Athanasios , Deliveliotis Charalambos 
Published: November 2006

Authors from Greece evaluated their experience of findings during re‐exploration for small bowel obstruction after radical cystectomy. They found several abnormalities, more particularly unexpected, to account for this, and drew some conclusions as to the operative technique that might help to prevent them.OBJECTIVETo retrospectively evaluate the findings during re‐exploration for obstructive ileus after radical cystectomy (RC) and ileal conduit diversion.PATIENTS AND METHODSDuring a 12‐year period, 434 patients who had RC and ileal conduit diversion were retrospectively evaluated for the diagnosis of early (≤30 days after RC) or late abdominal re‐exploration. The operative reports of patients requiring a second abdominal procedure were reviewed, evaluating in particular the reason for small bowel obstruction (SBO). In addition, the type of entero‐enteric anastomosis and the retroperitonealization of the uretero‐enteric anastomosis were compared between patients who required abdominal re‐exploration for SBO and those who did not.RESULTSAbdominal re‐exploration for SBO was necessary for 14 (3.2%) and 32 (7.3%) patients in the early and late postoperative period, respectively. The most common reasons for SBO were anastomotic malfunction (1.4%) and malignant recurrence (2.8%). Adhesions were the second most common cause leading to ileus in both periods (1.1% and 2.3%, respectively). When there was no retroperitonealization of the uretero‐enteric anastomosis, SBO occurred more often both early and late (P = 0.06). Early anastomotic malfunction leading to SBO was more common (but not statistically significant, P = 0.06) when the entero‐enteric anastomosis was hand‐sutured end‐to‐end.CONCLUSIONSAnastomotic malfunction, bowel adhesions and internal hernias are responsible for SBO early after surgery. The above reasons, in addition to malignant recurrence, are the most common reasons for SBO in the late postoperative period.
Self‐reported volume of radical prostatectomies among urologists in the USA
Authors: Denberg Thomas D. , Flanigan Robert C. , Kim Fernando J. , Hoffman Richard M. , Steiner John F. 
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the variability in the volume of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP) performed by urologists in the USA, and the physician characteristics that predict RP volume, as previous studies showed that individual surgeon volume for RP is associated with clinical outcomes.METHODSIn a nationwide, representative survey of 2000 urologists who treat prostate carcinoma in the USA, we asked respondents to indicate a numerical range of RPs they perform each year (none, 1–10, 11–30, and >30, the last which we defined as ‘high volume’). We then identified characteristics of the provider and practice associated with a high volume of RPs. Supplementing survey results with other national data, we estimated the proportion of all RPs in the USA performed by ‘high‐volume’ urologists.RESULTSThe survey response rate was 66.1% (1313 urologists) with no differences between the respondents and non‐respondents for the measured demographic variables. Among urologists who performed RPs (89.1% of the sample), 37.3% did ≤ 10, 46.9% 11–30 and 15.8% >30 RPs/year. Academic and urological oncology fellowship‐trained urologists were, respectively, 41% and 27% more likely than private‐practice and non‐fellowship‐trained urologists to have a high volume of RPs. Of all RPs performed yearly in the USA, only an estimated 46.1% were by high‐volume urologists.CONCLUSIONA significant proportion of urologists report a RP volume that might be associated with higher rates of cardiac, respiratory, vascular, wound‐healing, and genitourinary complications. Further study is needed to characterize the possible relationships between RP volume and tumour recurrence, survival, and long‐term erectile dysfunction and incontinence.