bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variable visual habitats may influence the spread of colourful plumage across an avian hybrid zone
Authors: UY J. A. C. , STEIN A. C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSeveral studies have shown that hybridization can be a creative process by acting as a conduit for the spread of adaptive traits between species, but few provide the mechanism that favours this spread. In the hybrid zone between the golden‐ (Manacus vitellinus) and white‐collared (Manacus candei) manakins, sexual selection drives the introgression of golden/yellow plumage into the white species; however, the mechanism for the yellow male's mating advantage and the reasons why yellow plumage has not swept further into the white species remain mostly speculative. We quantified the colour properties of male plumage, the background and the ambient light at the hybrid zone, and allopatric golden and white populations. As measured by the perceived difference in colour between plumage and background, we found that yellow plumage appears more conspicuous than white plumage in the hybrid zone and allopatric golden‐collar habitats, whereas white plumage appears more conspicuous than yellow plumage in the allopatric white‐collared habitat. These results suggest a mechanism for the unidirectional spread of yellow plumage across the hybrid zone but slowed movement beyond it.
Histopathological Study of the Alternaria solani Infection Process in Potato Cultivars with Different Levels of Early Blight Resistance
Authors: Dita M. A. , Brommonschenkel S. H. , Matsuoka K. , Mizubuti E. S. G. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractHistopathological analyses of the infection process of Alternaria solani were accomplished in three potato cultivars with different levels of early blight resistance. Leaflets of Aracy (resistant), Delta (moderately resistant) and Bintje (susceptible) cultivars were inoculated at the beginning of the flowering stage. In order to study the effect of leaf age, leaf samples were collected separately, in the lower, middle and upper third of the plants. Conidia germination, appressoria formation, penetration and number of penetration sites exhibiting hypersensitive response (HR) were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after inoculation. Penetration occurred most frequently through the junctions of the epidermal cells. Penetrations through stomata were rarely observed. There was no association between the events and the resistance levels, except for the number of penetration sites showing HR that was highest in Aracy, intermediate in Delta and lowest in Bintje. Similarly, the number of sites with HR was the only event associated with the leaf age. Regardless of cultivar resistance levels, the number of the penetration sites with HR was higher in leaves in the upper part of the plant. These results suggest that HR may be one of the mechanisms associated with age‐related and genetic resistance to early blight in potato.
Isolation of Pseudomonas spp. from Diseased Capsicum chinense (Habanero Pepper) Plants in Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Moguel‐Salazar F. , Quijano‐Ramayo A. , Keb‐Llanes M. , Moreno‐Valenzuela O. , Islas‐Flores I. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract Capsicum chinense (habanero pepper) grown in Yucatan, Mexico, is frequently diseased by plant bacterial pathogens, but the bacterial agents remain unidentified. Bacteria associated with diseased C. chinense were isolated and characterized. Two isolates, ChA11 and ChA14, induced hypersensitive response in C. chinense plantlets and caused rot in C. chinense fruit and potato slices. Molecular identification showed both to be Pseudomonas spp. This is the first report identifying Pseudomonas spp. associated with C. chinense grown in Yucatan, and may represent a first step towards developing control measures against this insidious pathogen.
Biocontrol and Plant Pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum‐Induced Changes in Phenolic Compounds in Tomato Leaves and Roots
Authors: Panina Y. , Fravel D. R. , Baker C. J. , Shcherbakova L. A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe biocontrol fungus Fusarium oxysporum strain CS‐20 was previously shown to reduce the incidence of Fusarium wilt of tomato through an uncharacterized host‐mediated response. As phenolic compounds are involved in the defence response of tomato to pathogens and other stressors, this work was undertaken to determine whether biocontrol strains induced changes in phenolic compounds in leaves and roots of tomato seedlings in the presence and absence of pathogenic F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Roots of intact tomato seedlings were placed in water or aqueous fungal spore suspensions. Two biocontrol F. oxysporum strains [CS‐20 (host‐mediated mechanism) and 85SK‐1 (control mechanism unknown)] and two plant pathogenic strains of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici Race 1 were used. After 24 or 72 h exposure, phenolic compounds were extracted from leaves and roots before identification by HPLC. There were significant qualitative and quantitative differences between the two sampling times. Compared with the control treatment, strain CS‐20 significantly altered (usually increasing) the ferulic, caffeic and vanillic acid contents, and concentrations once unidentified phenolic compounds recovered from leaves and roots. In another experiment, tomato seedlings growing in sterile sand were drenched with spores of strain CS‐20 the day before treating them with varying concentrations of spores of the pathogen for 24 or 72 h. The amount of pathogen present did not significantly affect the plant phenolic response to the presence of strain CS‐20. This work demonstrates that tomato responds within 24 h to the presence of the biocontrol strain CS‐20 by alterations in secondary metabolism that are typical of resistance responses in tomato.
How geographic distance and depth drive ecological variability and isolation of demersal fish communities in an archipelago system (Cape Verde, Eastern Atlantic Ocean)
Authors: Medina Anibal , Brêthes Jean‐Claude , Sévigny Jean‐Marie , Zakardjian Bruno 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCape Verde is a tropical oceanic ecosystem, highly fragmented and dispersed, with islands physically isolated by distance and depth. To understand how isolation affects the ecological variability in this archipelago, we conducted a research project on the community structure of the 18 commercially most important demersal fishes. An index of ecological distance based on species relative dominance (Di) is developed from Catch Per Unit Effort, derived from an extensive database of artisanal fisheries. Two ecological measures of distance between islands are calculated: at the species level, ΔDi, and at the community level, ΔD (sum of ΔDi). A physical isolation factor (Idb) combining distance (d) and bathymetry (b) is proposed. Covariance analysis shows that isolation factor is positively correlated with both ΔDi and ΔD, suggesting that Idb can be considered as an ecological isolation factor. The effect of Idb varies with season and species. This effect is stronger in summer (May to November), than in winter (December to April), which appears to be more unstable. Species react differently to Idb, independently of season. A principal component analysis on the monthly (ΔDi) for the 12 islands and the 18 species, complemented by an agglomerative hierarchical clustering, shows a geographic pattern of island organization, according to Idb. Results indicate that the ecological structure of demersal fish communities of Cape Verde archipelago, both in time and space, can be explained by a geographic isolation factor. The analytical approach used here is promising and could be tested in other archipelago systems.
Simvastatin for rats with thioacetamide‐induced liver failure and encephalopathy
Authors: Huang Hui‐Chun , Wang Sun‐Sang , Lee Fa‐Yauh , Chan Cho‐Yu , Chang Full‐Young , Lin Han‐Chieh , Chu Chi‐Jen , Chen Yi‐Chou , Lee Shou‐Dong 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim: Nitric oxide (NO) inhibition aggravates hepatic damage and encephalopathy and increases mortality in rats with thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced acute liver failure. Statins enhance NO synthase expression beyond their lipid‐lowering capability, but the impact on encephalopathy remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of simvastatin on rats with TAA‐induced acute liver damage and hepatic encephalopathy.Methods: Sprague–Dawley rats received TAA (350 mg/kg/day) or normal saline (NS) by intraperitoneal injection for 3 consecutive days. Two days before injections, each group was divided into three subgroups, taking (i) distilled water; (ii) simvastatin (20 mg/kg/day); or (iii) simvastatin plusNG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, 25 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage for 5 days. On the fifth day, severity of encephalopathy was assessed and plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin and ammonia were measured.Results: The TAA subgroups showed higher ALT, AST, bilirubin and ammonia levels and lower motor activity counts as compared with the NS subgroups. Among the TAA‐treated subgroups, rats with simvastatin treatment exerted higher motor activity counts and survival rate (P = 0.043), and a trend of lower ALT, AST, bilirubin and ammonia levels than those receiving saline. All rats that underwent simvastatin plus L‐NAME treatment died during or after TAA injections.Conclusions: Simvastatin improved encephalopathy and survival in TAA‐administered rats. The beneficial effect was offset by L‐NAME, suggesting the role of NO in liver damage and encephalopathy.
A family with juvenile polyposis linked to the BMPR1A locus: Cryptic mutation or closely linked gene?
Authors: Chow Elizabeth , Lipton Lara , Carvajal‐Carmona Luis G , Arthur Gordon , Bhathal Prithi , Kaur Gurjeet , Jaeger Emma , Woodford‐Richens Kelly , Howarth Kimberley , Tomlinson Ian , Macrae Finlay 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Familial juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) is a rare autosomal dominant condition in which patients develop hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyps with malignant potential. Pathogenic germline mutations in both the SMAD4 and BMPR1A genes involved in the transforming growth factor β pathway account for 40% of cases of JPS. Genetic heterogeneity remains evident, as the balance of cases is not accounted for by mutations in these genes. The aim of this study was to determine the mutation responsible in a family with juvenile polyposis.Methods:  An Australian Caucasian family with juvenile polyposis have attended and followed surveillance plans through the Familial Bowel Cancer Clinic, The Royal Melbourne Hospital. A pedigree of the family was constructed with attention to the mixed phenotypic expression of polyps in affected members. Genetic testing for SMAD4 and BMPR1A mutations in germline DNA and linkage analysis to SMAD4, BMPR1A and 15q14 (CRAC1 locus) were performed.Results:  There were no pathogenic mutations in SMAD4 and BMPR1A. There was no linkage to SMAD4 or 15q14 (CRAC1 locus). Linkage analysis suggested a cryptic BMPR1A mutation or the presence of another gene in close proximity to the BMPR1A locus. Two additional candidate genes in the region of linkage (PTEN and MINPP1) were excluded.Conclusion:  Most affected members of this Australian Caucasian family demonstrate a phenotype of mixed polyps: juvenile polyps, adenomas and/or hyperplastic polyps. Cloning of a potentially responsible gene closely linked to the BMPR1A locus or a cryptic mutation in BMPR1A may offer valuable insights into the pathogenesis of JPS.
Prevalence and prognosis of gastric cancer detected by screening in a large Japanese population: Data from a single institute over 30 years
Authors: Miyahara Ryoji , Niwa Yasumasa , Matsuura Tetsuo , Maeda Osamu , Ando Takafumi , Ohmiya Naoki , Itoh Akihiro , Hirooka Yoshiki , Goto Hidemi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  In Japan, screening examination with photofluorography is widely performed to reduce the mortality due to gastric cancer. The possibility of a future decline in gastric cancer cases and changes in its characteristics is suggested. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of direct radiology as a general health screening technique and the historical changes of gastric cancer in Japan.Methods:  This study involved 936 patients with gastric cancer whose carcinomas were detected by direct radiology as part of a general health screening at the Aichi Prefectural Center for Health Care from 1970 to 2000. We studied the prevalence of gastric carcinoma, its prognosis, differences between the two histological types of carcinoma and historical changes.Results:  The age‐adjusted cancer detection rate slightly decreased. Comparing two histological types, diffuse‐type carcinoma cases relatively increased. Intestinal‐type carcinomas increased in the lower portion of the stomach, whereas diffuse‐type increased in the upper portion. The 5‐year survival rate was 92.7% for intestinal‐type carcinoma and 84.8% for diffuse‐type. Diffuse‐type carcinomas were further progressed than intestinal‐type when detected by direct radiology; however, detection of diffuse‐type improved, so the percentage of early gastric cancer of diffuse type significantly increased, and the survival rate significantly improved, from 70.4% to 90.5%.Conclusion:  The prevalence of gastric cancer has been decreasing, but the proportion of diffuse‐type carcinoma localized in the upper portion of the stomach has been increasing in Japan.
Ultrasound‐guided liver biopsy in real life: Comparison of same‐day prebiopsy versus real‐time ultrasound approach
Authors: Manolakopoulos Spilios , Triantos Christos , Bethanis Sotirios , Theodoropoulos Jiannis , Vlachogiannakos Jiannis , Cholongitas Evangelos , Sideridis Markos , Barbatis Calipso , Piperopoulos Ploutarchos , Spiliadi Charis , Papadimitriou Nikolaos , Roukounakis Nikolaos , Tzourmakliotis Dimitrios , Avgerinos Alec , Burroughs Andrew 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Currently, an increasing number of liver biopsies are performed by radiologists under real‐time ultrasound control. A routine ultrasound assessment of a puncture site before performing percutaneous biopsy is reported to increase diagnostic yield and decrease complication rates. It is not clear if real‐time ultrasound is superior to marking the puncture site before biopsy as regards reducing biopsy size and avoiding fragmentation and complications. The aim of this study was to compare ultrasound assessment of the puncture site before performing percutaneous liver biopsy with real‐time ultrasound liver biopsy for suspected diffuse liver disease.Methods:  Consecutive percutaneous liver biopsies (n = 631) for diffuse liver disease were evaluated. Group A consisted of patients who had real‐time guided‐ultrasound biopsy performed by radiologists (241 patients; M/F, 35/106; median age 48 year [range, 17–76]; needle 18 G). Group B patients were assessed by radiologists using ultrasound of the puncture site on the same day that biopsies were performed by experienced gastroenterologists/hepatologists on the ward using the marked site (390 patients; M/F, 276/114; median age 43 year [range, 15–75]; needle 16 G).Results:  There were no differences in severity of liver disease, establishing a diagnosis (OR, 1.92 [95% CI, 0.84–4.34]; P = 0.12), length of liver biopsy specimens, number of fragments or complications. Two independent variables were significantly associated with a histological diagnosis: longer biopsy length (P < 0001) and fragment number of two or less (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Real‐time ultrasound did not improve diagnostic yield or result in fewer complications. Marking the puncture site seems adequate and has the practical advantage that it takes up less of the radiologists' time.
Usefulness of transpapillary bile duct brushing cytology and forceps biopsy for improved diagnosis in patients with biliary strictures
Authors: Kitajima Yasuhiro , Ohara Hirotaka , Nakazawa Takahiro , Ando Tomoaki , Hayashi Kazuki , Takada Hiroki , Tanaka Hajime , Ogawa Kanto , Sano Hitoshi , Togawa Shozo , Naito Itaru , Hirai Masaaki , Ueno Koichiro , Ban Tessin , Miyabe Katuyuki , Yamashita Hiroaki , Yoshimura Norihiro , Akita Shinji , Gotoh Kazuo , Joh Takashi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Transpapillary bile duct brushing cytology and/or forceps biopsy was performed in the presence of an indwelling guidewire in patients with biliary stricture, and the treatment time, overall diagnosis rate, diagnosis rate of each disease, complications, and influences on subsequent biliary drainage were investigated.Methods:  After endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, brushing cytology was performed, followed by forceps biopsy. In patients with obstructive jaundice, endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) was subsequently performed. To investigate the influences of bile duct brushing cytology and forceps biopsy on EBD, patients who underwent subsequent EBD by plastic stent were compared with patients who underwent EBD alone.Results:  The samples for cytology were collected successfully in all cases, and the sensitivity for malignancy/benignity, specificity, and accuracy were 71.6%, 100%, and 75.0%, respectively. The biopsy sampling was successful in 51 patients, and samples applicable to the evaluation were collected in all 51 patients. The sensitivity for malignancy/benignity, specificity, and accuracy were 65.2%, 100%, and 68.6%, respectively. Combination of the two procedures increased the sensitivity and accuracy to 73.5% and 76.6%, respectively. The time required for cytology and biopsy was 11.7 min, which is relatively short. Cytology and biopsy did not affect drainage. Regarding accidents, bile duct perforation occurred during biopsy in one patient (1.9%), but was rapidly improved by endoscopic biliary drainage.Conclusions:  Transpapillary brushing cytology and forceps biopsy could be performed in a short time. The diagnosis rate was high, and the incidence of complication was low, having no influence on subsequent biliary drainage.
Developmental status of young infants with congenital heart disease
Authors: HIROSE YUKIMI , ICHIDA FUKIKO , OSHIMA YOSHIHIRO 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Developmental status of young infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with physical and psychosocial factors. With the aim of obtaining basic data to perform developmental support, the study was conducted to examine the development and associated factors among these infants.Methods: The Japanese Denver Developmental Screening Test was performed in 75 infants at 3–5 months of age, and a questionnaire was sent to their mothers about recognition of their child’s development. Infants with and without developmental delay were compared using the characteristics of diagnosis of heart disease, symptoms and surgery, the state of growth of infants, and recognition of a child’s development by its mother. To specify more adequate factors, a multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted.Results: Of 75 infants, 14 (18.7%) had developmental delay. Weight gain of standard weight–2SD, Kaup index, and recognition of a child’s development by mothers were associated with delayed development. In particular, infants gaining weight at <10 g/day were significantly more delayed than those gaining weight at >20 g/day. In addition, infants whose mothers recognized developmental delay were significantly delayed compared to those not recognized.Conclusions: Developmental status of young infants with CHD was found to be strongly associated with growth. In particular, weight gain <10 g/day appeared to be the critical point for delayed development, as well as mothers’ recognition of their child’s development.
DIFFUSE WHITE DEPOSITS OF THE DUODENUM MAY SUGGEST DELAYED GLUCOSE ABSORPTION
Authors: Urita Yoshihisa , Domon Kaoru , Ishihara Susumu , Nanami Makie , Yanagisawa Taketo , Okubo Ryo , Sawa Tomoka , Watanabe Toshiyasu , Akimoto Tatsuo , Kato Hirohito , Hara Noriko , Honda Yoshiko , Nagai Yoko , Nakanishi Kazushige , Shimada Nagato , Sugimoto Motonobu , Miki Kazumasa 
Published: June 2007

Background:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between white deposits observed in the duodenum and malabsorption of nutrients.Methods:  132 consecutive subjects presenting with diagnostic upper endoscopy were recruited in this study. 13C‐acetate was given intraduodenally in 65 patients and 13C‐glucose in 67 patients. At the end of endoscopy, the tip of the endoscope was placed in the second part of the duodenum and 20 mL water containing 100 mg 13C‐substrate was sprayed onto the duodenal mucosa. Breath samples were taken at baseline and at 10 min intervals.Results:  There were no significant differences between 13CO2 excretion and the grade of white deposits after giving intraduodenal 13C‐acetate. A delay in the 13CO2 excretion curve in patients with a body mass index of more than 26 was noted after giving 13C‐glucose and there was a significant delay in 13CO2 excretion in the ‘diffuse’ group as compared with the other two groups. The mean values of 13CO2 were significantly lower in obese patients than in non‐obese subjects.Conclusion:  Results from the duodenal infusion study using stable isotopes demonstrate a close association between diffuse white deposits on the duodenal mucosa and delayed glucose absorption.
Sonographic femur length to trunk cross area ratio: Prediction of fetal outcome in 30 cases in which micromelia was suspected
Authors: Arahori Hitomi , Tamura Arihiro , Wasada Kenshi , Shimoya Kouichiro , Wada Kazuko , Murata Yuji , Ozono Keiichi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAim:  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential value of fetal routine sonographic biometry in evaluating micromelias.Methods:  Thirty fetuses had a presumptive diagnosis of micromelia from antepartum ultrasound examinations during the period between 1 April 1996 and 31 March 2005. The postnatal clinical features, final diagnoses and outcomes were examined to retrospectively compare these cases with biometric parameters obtained from routine antepartum ultrasound examinations.Results:  Final diagnoses included skeletal dysplasia (16), small‐for‐dates (SFD) infant without any abnormalities (seven), chromosomal abnormality (three), pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (one), Marden–Walker syndrome (one), and suspected Freeman–Sheldon syndrome (one). One turned out to be a healthy infant. All cases were divided on the basis of the final diagnoses into three groups: skeletal dysplasia (16 fetuses), SFD and healthy infant (eight fetuses) and others (six fetuses). The ratios of femur length (FL) to mean FL at a given gestational age (%FL) and of FL to biparietal diameter (FL/BPD) were significantly lower in the skeletal dysplasia group than those in the other groups. Moreover, in the skeletal dysplasia group, when the lethal cases were excluded, the ratio of FL to fetal trunk cross area (FL/FTA) was significantly lower than that in the other groups.Conclusions:  FL/FTA appears to be a useful parameter to help differentiate fetuses with non‐lethal skeletal dysplasia from anatomically normal fetuses either with constitutionally short limbs or with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).