bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Procedure for Predicting the Trajectory of Species Recovery Based on the Nested Species Pool Information: Dragonflies in a Wetland Restoration Site as a Case Study
Authors: Kadoya Taku , Suda Shin‐ichi , Nishihiro Jun , Washitani Izumi 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Restoration of seminatural habitats in the rural agricultural landscape has become an urgent matter in environmental conservation. We propose here a procedure for predicting the trajectory of species recovery and for specifying the priority of habitat types for restoration of a rural agricultural landscape. We then apply it as a case study to the recovery of dragonfly species in the Azame restoration project that began in 2003 in northern Kyushu, Japan. We examined the nestedness of the regional distribution of dragonflies using a national database on wildlife distribution and listed the recorded species in order of their prevalence in the region. We also conducted a census of adult dragonflies currently found at the restoration site to assess species richness. By comparing these data, we identified species potentially capable of inhabiting the restoration site and, based on their habitat requirements, suggest what type of habitat (e.g., bogs and marshes, ponds, and bodies of slow‐moving water) should be restored preferentially. We observed significant nestedness in the presence–absence matrix for dragonfly species and thus predict that species recovery at the restoration site will follow the regional order of prevalence of the species. The required habitat types did not differ significantly between the currently observed species and the potential species, which indicates that all these habitat types should be restored in the project.
Effect of Hydrologic Restoration and Lonicera maackii Removal on Herbaceous Understory Vegetation in a Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Authors: Swab Rebecca M. , Zhang Li , Mitsch William J. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Herder), a large deciduous shrub from China, has invaded many forests in eastern/central United States. The species was removed by cutting and herbicide application from a recently hydrologically restored section of a bottomland hardwood forest in central Ohio, and the response of understory plants, especially herbaceous species, was measured. Plots were established in uncleared and cleared sections, and percent cover of each herbaceous understory species was estimated monthly. One season after several years of Lonicera removal efforts, no significant association was discovered between percentage of Lonicera cover and total understory species abundance. There was, however, a direct correlation between elevation and honeysuckle abundance; L. maackii abundance was negatively associated with low elevations, likely due to hydrologic factors. Plant species diversity (H) and richness (s) increased with elevation but were not significantly different on plots with honeysuckle removal (H = 0.86 ± 0.08 vs. 0.78 ± 0.09 and s = 4.4 ± 0.19 vs. 4.2 ± 0.2 species/m2, respectively) despite the fact that understory light levels measured by densiometer were significantly higher (α= 0.003) in cleared versus uncleared sections. Native and invasive species were found in similar proportions in the two sections, and significant sprouting and regrowth of L. maackii were observed throughout the cleared section. Although the removal of L. maackii altered the characteristics of the plant species assemblage, the value of this management remains questionable in the years immediately following treatment.
Spontaneous Vegetation Succession in Gravel–Sand Pits: A Potential for Restoration
Authors: Řehounková Klára , Prach Karel 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Vegetation variability, the participation of target and undesirable species, and the role of local species pool were studied in the course of spontaneous succession in disused gravel–sand pits. The study was conducted in various regions of the Czech Republic, Central Europe. The regions represented either agrarian lowlands with a relatively warm and dry climate or mostly woodland uplands with a relatively cold and wet climate. The gravel–sand pits (36) comprised stages of different age from 1 to 75 years since abandonment. Altogether, 224 vegetation samples were recorded with species cover (%) visually estimated. Species affinity to different vegetation types was assessed in each sample based on the species cover. Local site factors, such as water table and soil characteristics, and landscape characteristics, namely climatic parameters, presence of nearby (semi)natural plant communities and main land cover categories in the broader surroundings, were evaluated as well as the participation of target (grassland, woodland, and wetland) and undesirable (ruderal, alien) species. Ordination analyses showed that vegetation succession led to target grassland, wetland, or woodland vegetation depending on local site factors, especially moisture and the presence of (semi)natural vegetation in the surroundings (local species pool). Restoration of target vegetation in disused gravel–sand pits by processes of spontaneous succession can be possible and successful in about 25 years, especially if (semi)natural vegetation exists in the surroundings. The invasion of the alien tree Robinia pseudacacia must be taken into consideration within the dry sites in lowlands.
The predictive value of optical coherence tomography after grid laser photocoagulation for diffuse diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Soliman Wael , Sander Birgit , Soliman Kamell Abd El‐Naser , Yehya Sameer , Rahamn Mohamed Saad Abdel , Larsen Michael 
Published: November 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To assess the predictive value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) mapping of retinal thickness and intraretinal morphological changes after macular grid for diffuse diabetic macular oedema (DMO).Methods:  We carried out a prospective, non‐controlled, case series study, in which 28 consecutive eyes with previously untreated diffuse DMO underwent fundus photography and OCT at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment.Results:  Macular photocoagulation was followed by a significant reduction in retinal thickness in the foveal centre (− 80 μm) and in the foveal subfield (− 65 μm) from baseline to 6 months (p < 0.01). The bulk of the reduction in retinal thickness and macular volume was manifest after 1 month. No significant change in retinal thickness occurred from 1 to 3 months or from 1 to 6 months in any macular subfield (p > 0.05). The relative decrease in retinal thickness at 6 months was highest in the foveal centre (− 22%), followed by the foveal region (− 18%), the inner parafoveal region (− 8%), and the outer parafoveal region (− 2%). Thus, the effect of photocoagulation on retinal thickness decreased with increasing eccentricity (p < 0.025). Overall, there was no statistically significant change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between baseline and follow‐up (p < 0.05), but changes in foveal subfield thickness and changes in VA were highly correlated (r = 0.66, p < 0.0001). Visual outcome (final BCVA) and final foveal subfield thickness at 6 months were correlated with the pattern of intraretinal morphological changes at baseline (Spearman’s correlation coefficient r = − 0.41, p = 0.03 and r = 0.45, p = 0.02, respectively). In addition, visual outcome (final BCVA) and final foveal subfield thickness at 6 months were correlated with baseline foveal thickness (Spearman’s correlation coefficient (r = − 0.37, p = 0.05 and r = 0.5, p = 0.01, respectively).Conclusions:  It seems that the 1‐month time‐point after macular laser treatment is a critical point for establishing the outcome of this modality of management of DMO. Baseline OCT mapping of intraretinal fluid accumulation patterns and foveal thickness can help to predict the final visual outcome and final foveal thickness, but not the absolute change in either of these parameters after macular laser therapy.
Comparison of expression of heat‐shock protein 60, Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4, and T‐cell receptor γδ in plaque and guttate psoriasis
Authors: Seung Na Reu , Park Eun Joo , Kim Chul Woo , Kim Kwang Ho , Kim Kwang Joong , Cho Hee Jin , Park Hye Rim 
Published: November 2007

Background:  Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that appears to be autoimmune in nature. Recently, it is thought that microbial pathogens of skin can affect the pathogenesis of psoriasis by inducing autoimmunity. Heat‐shock proteins (HSPs) are known to play an important role in immune and inflammatory responses of the skin including psoriasis. Recent studies have suggested that Toll‐like receptors (TLR) 2, 4 and γδ T‐cell receptors (TCR‐γδ) may recognize HSP60 as a ligand and consequently activate the immune system.Methods:  The biopsy specimens of 12 of guttate psoriasis, 12 of plaque psoriasis and five of normal skin were studied using immunohistochemical staining. The expressions of HSP60, TLR2 and TLR4 were evaluated using an immunostaining‐intensity‐distribution (IID) index and TCR‐γδ positive cells were counted.Results:  The expression of HSP60 was significantly higher in guttate and plaque psoriasis than in normal skin. The expression of TLR4 was higher in guttate psoriasis than in plaque psoriasis and normal skin. The expression of TCR‐γδ was higher in guttate and plaque psoriasis than in normal skin, but there was no correlation found between the expression of HSP60 and TLRs 2 and 4, or between that of HSP60 and TCR‐γδ.Conclusions:  HSP60 may be related to the pathogenesis of both guttate and plaque psoriasis and TLR4 may be related to the pathogenesis of guttate psoriasis.
Apocrine cystadenoma and apocrine hidrocystoma: examination of 21 cases with emphasis on nomenclature according to proliferative features
Authors: Sugiyama Akiko , Sugiura Mitsuhiro , Piris Adriano , Tomita Yasushi , Mihm Martin C. 
Published: November 2007

Background:  Apocrine cystadenoma (AC) and apocrine hidrocystoma (AH) have been used interchangeably in the literature to designate cystic lesions of apocrine glands.Methods:  We reviewed 21 cases with biopsies of apocrine cystic lesions diagnosed as AH or AC stained by hematoxylin and eosin. The following histological characteristics were recorded: (a) number of cysts, (b) predominant architectural growth pattern of cyst wall, (c) tumor circumscription, (d) nuclear atypia, (e) mitotic activity, counted per 1 mm2 and (f) Ki‐67 staining pattern.Results:  Our findings clearly show that there is a non‐proliferative group and a proliferative group among the lesions. In the non‐proliferative group, one may see some structures that resemble papillary projections but lack a fibrous core. In the proliferative group, we found true papillae, and this change was associated with atypia, mitotic activity and increased Ki‐67 staining.Conclusions:  Apocrine cystic lesions with true papillary projections should be referred to as AC rather than AH, to emphasize the proliferative adenomatous growth and depicted by their frequency of cytological atypia and high mitotic activity. Furthermore, we suggest complete excision of AC that are proliferative tumors.
Cutaneous mononuclear cells and eosinophils are significantly increased after warm water challenge in pruritic areas of polycythemia vera
Authors: Abdel‐Naser Mohamed Badawy , Zaki Marwa S. , Mousa Manal H. , Hamed Hanan , Rizk Mohamed S. , Mohamed Hossam E. , Habib Mohamed A. 
Published: November 2007

Background:  Increased cutaneous cells following warm water challenge in pruritus‐related polycythemia vera (PV) have been reported, but their nature and magnitude are not known.Methods:  Qualitative and quantitative assessments (digital image analysis) of the cutaneous mononuclear cells, eosinophils and mast cells were carried out in PV patients and healthy controls (n = 10 each) following exposures to water at room temperature and warm water.Results:  Infiltration of the spongiotic epidermis and dermis by mononuclear cells and eosinophils together with edema and vasodilatation of upper dermis following warm water contact was clearly observed only in PV patients. In contrast to controls, significant increase in numbers of mononuclear cells and eosinophils in comparison with exposure to water at room temperature at the dermal‐epidermal junction (p < 0.01), papillary dermis (p < 0.01) and perivascular area (p < 0.05) was found. Obvious mast cell degranulation was seen in PV sections after warm water contact, but no significant increase of their numbers was observed whether among PV patients or healthy controls (p > 0.05). However, the numbers of papillary dermal mast cells in specimens obtained from PV patients following room temperature water exposure were significantly more than those of healthy controls (p < 0.05).Conclusions:  PV represents an invisible dermatosis in which the infiltrating mononuclear cells and eosinophils may have a role in warm water‐induced pruritus.
Diagnosis of Deep‐Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: The New Guideline of the Dutch Institute for Health Care Improvement
Authors: Kamphuisen P. W. , Oudkerk M. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryReliable diagnosis of venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism is crucial, as especially pulmonary embolism is a potentially fatal disorder. Recently the guideline of the Dutch institute for health care improvement (CBO), ‘diagnosis, prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and secondary prevention of arterial thrombosis’ was published. The diagnostic algorithm in case of suspected VTE starts with a clinical decision rule according to Wells followed by a d‐dimer test. These simple, non‐invasive and cheap tests, exclude VTE in 25–30% of the patients with a suspected episode of VTE. With a dichotomized clinical decision rule, a ‘likely’ Wells score or an abnormal d‐dimer concentration necessitates additional testing, like ultrasonography of the leg veins when deep‐vein thrombosis is suspected, or multidetector computerized tomographic scanning in the case of suspected pulmonary embolism. These diagnostic algorithms considerably simplify the diagnosis of VTE.
Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy and Postpartum: Should we Modify the Usual Diagnostic Strategy?
Authors: Van Loon A. J. , Stekkinger E. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryIn pregnant and postpartum patients, the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is increased three to fivefold compared with non‐pregnant women of the same age, and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are leading causes of maternal mortality during pregnancy and postpartum. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential as unnecessary anticoagulation is not without risk. However, the diagnosis of VTE among these women is complicated by difficulties in clinical diagnosis and the concerns regarding radiation exposure of the fetus. Many of the common diagnostic tests, including D‐dimer, compression ultrasonography, ventilation‐perfusion scintigraphy and helical computed tomography that have been extensively investigated in non‐pregnant patients, have not been appropriately validated in pregnancy. This article will review the role of various diagnostic tests in case of suspected VTE in pregnancy and puerperium, and issues such as radiation risk are discussed. Recommendations for the use of D‐dimer and imaging techniques in pregnant and postpartum patients with a clinically suspected DVT or PE are provided.
Integrated Diagnostic Approach of Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Karami Djurabi R. , Klok F. A. , Nijkeuter M. , Huisman M. V. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryIn patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) many diagnostic tests are available and have been widely evaluated. An integrated diagnostic approach is the most efficient way to make management decisions. This is best accomplished by the use of a diagnostic algorithm consisting of a dichotomous decision rule, D‐dimer testing and computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA), or as alternative V‐Q lung scanning. Such an algorithm can guide treatment decisions with a low risk for false negative outcome in patients in whom tests indicate that PE is ruled out. No further diagnostic testing is necessary in patients with unlikely clinical probability in combination with a normal D‐dimer test result. CTPA or V/Q scans can safely rule out PE in patients with a likely pre‐test probability or elevated D‐dimer test result.
Increased mortality in the year following discharge from a paediatric ward in Bissau, Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Veirum Jens Erik , Sodeman Morten , Biai Sidu , Hedegård Kathryn , Aaby Peter 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground: Few studies in developing countries have examined posthospital mortality and little is known about the magnitude of posthospital mortality and risk factors for long‐term survival. A better understanding of the determinants of posthospital mortality could help improve discharge policies and interventions with implications for overall childhood mortality.Study population: In the period from 1991 to 1996 all paediatric admissions coming from the Bandim Health Project's area were registered at the National Hospital in Bissau, Guinea‐Bissau. Posthospitalization information from a population‐based surveillance system was available for 4153 admissions contributed by 3373 individuals having between 1 and 8 admissions during the period. Three thousand six hundred forty seven (3647) admissions by 2950 children resulted in live discharges. Postdischarge mortality included all deaths during 1 year following live discharge.Results: Among the 221 children who died during the first year after discharge, 170 died in the community and 51 children died during a subsequent hospitalization; thirty‐eight died on the day of discharge and almost one third had died within the first 2 weeks. The overall in‐hospital and 12‐month posthospital mortality was 20%. Compared to the mortality level in the community and controlled for other determinants of childhood mortality, children discharged from hospital had 12 times higher risk of dying during the first 2 weeks after discharge. The mortality rate ratio (MR) was 6.2 (95% confidence interval 3.8–10.2) times higher when we excluded those who died at the day of discharge. For the period 30–91 days after discharge the MR ratio was 3.7 (2.5–5.5), and in the period 3–6 months after discharge, the risk estimate was still 2.5 (1.6–3.9) times higher than community mortality. In a multivariate analysis, the all‐dominating risk factor was discharge status as ‘fled’ in the sense of nonmedical discharge, the MRs being 18.6 (9.5–36.6) in the first 2 weeks after discharge and 4.0 (2.0–8.3) in the remaining part of the first year. Other significant risk factors for postdischarge mortality included ethnic group, housing quality and maternal education, and were similar to risk factors for community mortality. The same diagnoses that had high acute mortality, including anaemia, diarrhoea and ‘other’, were also associated with high postdischarge mortality.Conclusion: There was a marked increase in mortality after hospitalization, the effect being particularly strong for children who fled the hospital. Improved discharge and follow‐up policies might have an important impact on survival after paediatric hospitalization. Studies on the effect of focused intervention at discharge are needed.
Ferritin levels in children with severe sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Garcia Pedro Celiny Ramos , Longhi Fernanda , Branco Ricardo Garcia , Piva Jefferson Pedro , Lacks Dani , Tasker Robert Charles 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim: To evaluate serum ferritin level in children with severe sepsis and septic shock and its association with mortality.Method: A cohort study of 36 children aged 1 month–16 years with severe sepsis or septic shock requiring intensive care was conducted. Serum ferritin levels were measured at the time of diagnosis of sepsis and a ferritin index (FI = observed serum ferritin divided by the upper limit of normal ferritin for age and gender) was calculated.Results: The median age (range) of the children was 6 (2–100) months. Ferritin was <200 ng/mL in 13 children, 200–500 ng/mL in 11 children and >500 ng/mL in 12 children. The mortality associated with these groups was 23%, 9% and 58%, respectively. A ferritin >500 ng/mL was associated with a 3.2 (1.3–7.9) relative risk of death (p = 0.01). FI of 1.7 was the best cutoff value for identifying those who died. In a logistic regression analysis, ferritin level and PRISM were independently associated with mortality.Conclusions: Ferritin is raised in children with septic shock and high ferritin level is associated with poorer outcome.
Comparative analysis of biofilm levels in complete upper and lower dentures after brushing associated with specific denture paste and neutral soap
Authors: Salles Antônio Eduardo S. , Macedo Leandro D. , Fernandes Roseana A. G. , Silva‐Lovato Cláudia H. , Paranhos Helena de F. O. 
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  The objective of this study was to compare and correlate biofilm levels in complete upper and lower prosthesis after brushing, associated with specific paste and soap, by means of computerised methodology.Materials and methods:  Forty‐five complete denture wearers were selected and instructed to brush their prostheses (Soft Oral B 40) three times a day for 3 weeks with water (Control), specific paste for complete dentures (Corega Brite) (Experiment 1) and neutral soap (Experiment 2). The study was based on a cross‐over model and a wash‐out period was not included. For biofilm quantification, the internal surfaces were dyed (neutral red 1%), photographed (Canon EOS Digital) and the disclosed biofilm was measured with the Image Tool 2.0 software. The products were assessed by means of a questionnaire regarding their hygiene properties and acceptance.Results:  The variance analysis indicated that the lower prostheses exhibited a mean biofilm percentage, significantly higher than the upper prostheses and that brushing with paste (Experiment 1) was more effective than soap (Experiment 2) and, in turn, this was more effective than water (Control). There was a high biofilm correlation (Pearson correlation) between both prostheses. Both products were well accepted by the patients, but the most favoured one was the paste.Conclusions:  This was effective in controlling the biofilm and can be used preventatively in the maintenance of oral health by wearers of complete dentures. This is important where the lower prosthesis can harbour microorganisms which may act as a reservoir for other areas of the mouth and thus enhance the importance of proper hygiene.