bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of cardiac and vascular structure and function in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Patel Sanjay , Harmer Jason A. , Loughnan Georgina , Skilton Michael R. , Steinbeck Katharine , Celermajer David S. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryObjective  Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic obesity syndrome characterized by hyperphagia, behavioural disturbance and intellectual disability. PWS appears to be associated with a high incidence of sudden death, suspected to be cardiopulmonary in origin. We therefore sought to provide an assessment of cardiac and vascular structure and function in patients with PWS.Patients  Nine patients with genetically confirmed PWS, mean age 28 years, body mass index (BMI) 42 kg/m2, were compared with nine age‐ and gender‐matched lean controls.Measurements  Lipid parameters, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and fasting glucose and insulin were measured. To assess cardiac structure and function, a resting electrocardiogram (ECG), exercise stress test, 24‐h continuous ECG monitoring, and echocardiogram were obtained. Patients and control subjects also underwent comprehensive noninvasive vascular assessment, including venous‐occlusion forearm plethysmography, brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD), radial artery tonometry and carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) measurements.Results  All patients with PWS had significantly elevated hs‐CRP (> 3·0 mg/l) (mean 11·5 mg/l, median 11·47, interquartile range: 4·48–15·8 mg/l), compared with controls (P < 0·001). Five of nine patients with PWS had subnormal exercise capacity (< 4 mets on exercise stress testing). Twenty‐four‐hour ECG monitoring revealed prolonged sinus pauses in one patient, up to 4·8 s, requiring pacemaker insertion. Microvascular function as assessed by peak hyperaemic flow response was decreased in PWS (6·1 ± 1·0 times baseline flow vs. controls 13·5 ± 1·6 times baseline flow, P = 0·01). Other measures were similar between PWS and controls.Conclusions  This group of PWS patients had significantly raised levels of the inflammatory marker hs‐CRP and evidence of microcirculatory dysfunction, both of which are associated with coronary artery disease and early sudden death. The sinus node dysfunction may in itself be a risk factor for sudden cardiac death.
Differences between endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons in management of the solitary thyroid nodule
Authors: Walsh John P. , Ryan Simon A. , Lisewski Dean , Alhamoudi Mohammed Z. , Brown Suzanne , Bennedbæk Finn N. , Hegedüs Lazlo 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground  It is not known whether management of the solitary thyroid nodule differs between endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons.Methods  A questionnaire containing a hypothetical case (a 42‐year‐old euthyroid woman with a 2‐×‐3‐cm solitary thyroid nodule) and 13 clinical variations was sent to endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons in Australia.Results  The response rate was 51%, including 122 endocrinologists and 48 endocrine surgeons. For the index case, serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and ultrasonography were widely used by both groups, but thyroid antibody tests and scintigraphy were ordered more commonly by endocrinologists. In the setting of benign cytology, treatment differed significantly between specialties for the index case (endocrinologists: no treatment 78%, surgery 11%, thyroxine 11%; surgeons: no treatment 73%, surgery 25%, thyroxine 2%; P = 0·032). Treatment recommendations also differed significantly for 12 of the 13 clinical variations. In particular, for a patient with a suppressed serum TSH concentration, a majority of endocrinologists recommended radioiodine treatment, whereas surgeons favoured surgery (endocrinologists: radioiodine 53%, surgery 22%, no treatment 25%; surgeons: surgery 60%, radioiodine 11%, no treatment 27%; P < 0·001). For most of the variations, a higher proportion of surgeons than endocrinologists recommended surgical treatment. Comparison with previous surveys of European Thyroid Association and American Thyroid Association members (predominantly endocrinologists) demonstrated considerable international differences in management.Conclusion  There are clinically significant differences between Australian endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons in management of the solitary thyroid nodule, and international differences in management of this disorder.
Menopausal hormone therapy and gallbladder disease: the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)
Authors: Schwarz S. , Völzke H. , Baumeister S. E. , Hampe J. , Dören M. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryObjective  Several studies suggest that oral menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is associated with an increased risk of gallbladder disease. It has been hypothesized that nonoral MHT may reduce the risk of cholelithiasis. The objective of the present study was to analyse the association between (1) use of life‐time MHT (ever use) and gallbladder disease and (2) nonoral use of MHT and gallbladder disease.Design  Cross‐sectional study using population‐based data from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP).Population  The study population included 994 postmenopausal women, aged 40–79 years. The subgroup of current oral and nonoral MHT users comprised 139 women.Methods and measurements  Sociodemographic, medical and reproductive characteristics were based on computer‐assisted personal interviews, and selected laboratory parameters were analysed. Gallbladder disease was defined by either a prior history of cholecystectomy or the presence of current sonographically diagnosed gallstones. Data analyses consisted of descriptive, bivariable and multivariable procedures. We performed Poisson regression with Huber/White standard errors to investigate the association between ever use, current nonoral use of MHT and gallbladder disease.Results  We found no significant association between ever use of MHT and gallbladder disease and sonographically diagnosed gallstones in fully adjusted analyses. Women who used MHT had a significantly higher risk for cholecystectomy compared to nonusers. There was no association between nonoral use of MHT and gallbladder disease.Conclusions  Our analyses do not lend support to the hypothesis that use of MHT is associated with gallbladder disease.
Variation in GH and IGF‐I assays limits the applicability of international consensus criteria to local practice
Authors: Pokrajac A. , Wark G. , Ellis A. R. , Wear J. , Wieringa G. E. , Trainer P. J. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground  There is increasing reliance on consensus criteria for decision making. Recent criteria state that acromegaly is excluded by a nadir GH during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) of < 1 µg/l and a normal level of IGF‐I.Objective  To study GH and IGF‐I assay performance close to cut‐off values for active acromegaly.Design and methods  Two serum samples known to give borderline results were sent to all centres participating in the UK National External Quality Assessment Service (NEQAS). Sample A was assigned to be a nadir during an OGTT and sent for GH assessment to 104 centres. Sample B, with a clinical scenario, was sent to 23 centres that measure IGF‐I, and these centres were asked to measure IGF‐I, interpret the result and provide the source of their reference ranges (RRs).Results  For sample A, the median GH was 2·6 mU/l (range 1·04–3·5 mU/l). Applying a conversion factor (CF) of 2·0 (1 µg/l = 2 mU/l), the most negatively biased method classified 10% of the values consistent with acromegaly, while the most positively biased method classified all values as consistent with the diagnosis. Applying a CF of 3·0 (1 µg/l = 3 mU/l), only 11% of results were consistent with acromegaly. For sample B, the median IGF‐I was 50·8 nmol/l (range 24·3–60·9 nmol/l). All centres used age‐related RRs. There was a 50% variation in the upper limit of the RRs between centres. Overall, 30% of the IGF‐I results were against the diagnosis. There was little agreement in the RRs quoted by centres using the same method.Conclusion  Variability in assay performance, coupled with use of inappropriate CFs and RRs, undermines the applicability of international consensus criteria to local practice.
Consequences of protecting flowers in a fig: a one‐way trip for pollinators?
Authors: Gibernau Marc , Hossaert‐McKey Martine , Anstett Marie‐Charlotte , Kjellberg Finn 
Published: May 2007

Abstract. Fig trees (Ficus) have closed inflorescences. Closure is an efficient protection of flowers against non‐specialist predators and harsh external environmental conditions. Each Ficus species is pollinated by a single insect species, an agaonid wasp, capable of forcing its way through a bract‐covered pore, the ostiole, to gain access to the flowers. Figs also provide oviposition sites for the wasps. The fig/pollinator interaction is a classic example of mutualism. It has been widely assumed that, once pollinators have entered a fig, oviposited and pollinated, they die trapped within the fig. In this paper, we present observations under natural conditions and results of field experiments on three very different fig species (Ficus aurea Nutt., F. carica L. and F. microcarpa L.) showing that some pollinators do exit or try to exit from the fig after pollination and oviposition. Moreover, experimental results demonstrate that in at least one species (F. carica), the pollinator is able to oviposit successively in two different figs.The frequency of re‐emergences from figs after pollination varies among species and this may be related to variations in pollination dynamics depending on environmental constraints such as the abundance of trees and tree phenology. Several factors that may favour pollinators that leave figs after pollination and oviposition are discussed. They include competition between pollinators for oviposition sites, and minimising of the risk of vertical transmission of parasites and pathogens.
The role of animals in the colonization of the Krakatau Islands by fig trees (Ficus species)
Authors: Thornton Ian W. B. , Compton Stephen G. , Wilson Craig N. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract. Since the biologically extirpating eruption of Krakatau (Sunda Strait) in 1883, Rakata (Krakatau's remnant) and two closely adjacent islands, Sertung and Panjang, have been colonized by over 200 species of vascular plants. They now carry species‐poor mixed tropical forest, including some twenty‐three species of Ficus. Data on the sequence of colonization over the last century by twenty‐four Ficus species, twenty‐three species of volant frugivores, and by agaonid fig‐wasps, presumably from the large islands of Java and Sumatra, each some 44 km distant, are summarized. The potential of the volant frugivores as dispersers of fig seeds is assessed, the pollination problems involved in the colonization of islands by figs are reviewed and patterns of colonization by fig species and by their bird and bat dispersers are identified and discussed.In 1930 a new island, Anak Krakatau, emerged from Krakatau's submerged caldera. This active volcano suffered a self‐sterilizing eruption in 1952/1953 and has been colonized, under considerable constraint from its own volcanic activity, probably largely from the (selected) species pool present on Rakata, Sertung and Panjang, 2–4 km away. Its vegetation is at an earlier successional stage (grassland and Casuarina woodland) than that of the three older islands, and in 1992 the Casuarina woodland was in an early stage of transition to mixed forest. The colonization of Anak Krakatau by Ficus species, agaonid wasps and volant frugivores over a critical decade (1982–92) is reviewed, including preliminary assessments of the effects of pollinator limitation on four pioneer fig species and indications of a possible effect of the presence of avian raptors, particularly the peregrine falcon, on fig colonization and forest diversification.
Recent range expansion and distributional limits of the nine‐banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) in the United States
Authors: Taulman James F. , Robbins Lynn W. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract. Prior to the mid 1850s armadillo dispersal may have been inhibited by native subsistence hunters, the Rio Grande acting as a physical hindrance, and natural habitat barriers posed by fire‐maintained grasslands. European colonists settled south Texas in mass during the latter half of the 19th century and largely removed existing impediments to armadillo range expansion, effectively releasing the species into the United States. The speed of the armadillo's natural range expansion after 1850 was probably accelerated by human travel and commerce into and out of its historic range in south Texas on a proliferation of roadways and railroads. This translocation process will likely continue and, combined with natural dispersal, will provide the armadillo the opportunity to ultimately become established in any habitats in the United States in which it can survive.Limits to future distribution will likely be determined by climatic factors, and may be bounded by regions receiving at least 38 cm annual precipitation and having mean January temperatures >−2°C, or fewer than 24 total annual freeze days. Armadillos may have already approached a precipitation‐defined boundary to the west and a distribution on the Great Plains limited by winter temperature minima. They may be expected to continue their advance up the East Coast to about the region of 41° North Latitude, decreasing to 39° North Latitude across the midwestern states. Future introductions on the West Coast may result in the establishment of armadillo populations in suitable habitats from California to Washington, an event that has already taken place with another tropical mammal emigrant, the opossum.
The distribution and status of the adder (Vipera berus L) in Scotland determined from questionnaire surveys
Authors: Reading C. J. , Buckland S. T. , McGowan G. M. , Jayasinghe G. , Gorzula S. , Balharry D. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract. During 1992 two questionnaire surveys, aimed at farmers and sections of the general public, were conducted to determine the distribution and status of the adder (Vipera berus L.) in Scotland. In total, 94% of the Scottish mainland and inner isles were covered by the two surveys. The adder appears to be widespread throughout Scotland, although it is absent from much of the Central Valley, the Outer Hebrides and Northern Isles, and from much of the mountainous region between Inverness and Glasgow.The distribution of the adder in Scotland was compared with the distributions of different habitat types defined in the ITE Land Class survey. Adders were strongly associated with areas of heterogeneous land use and negatively associated with intensively arable areas and rugged mountainous areas. Strong evidence was found to suggest that perceived adder abundance had declined during the last 10 years. Although the evidence suggesting that the distribution of adders in Scotland had changed was less strong, the results of the Farm Survey did indicate that it had contracted. The perceived change in status of the adder in Scotland during the last 10 years was compared with the observed changes in land use over the same period.
Variation of reproductive effort between parthenogenetic and sexual populations of the scorpion Tityus columbianus
Authors: Lourenĉo Wilson R. , Cuéllar Orlando , Méndez de la Cruz Fausto R. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract. Geographic differences in reproductive effort were examined between sexual and parthenogenetic populations of the Colombian scorpion Tityus columbianus, from Iza (sexual) and from Mosquera (unisexual). The sexual females from Iza were significantly larger and had significantly greater relative litter mass (RLM) than the parthenogenetic ones from Mosquera. In both populations litter size increased significantly with female body size.Litter size and RLM in the sexuals averaged 12.7 and 0.49 respectively, and in the unisexuals 8 and 0.36. We suggest that the higher values are related to greater primary productivity at the Iza site.
Inferring local adaptation fromQST–FSTcomparisons: neutral genetic and quantitative trait variation in European populations of great snipe
Authors: SÆTHER S. A. , FISKE P. , KÅLÅS J. A. , KURESOO A. , LUIGUJÕE L. , PIERTNEY S. B. , SAHLMAN T. , HÖGLUND J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWe applied a phenotypicQST(PST) vs.FSTapproach to study spatial variation in selection among great snipe (Gallinago media) populations in two regions of northern Europe. Morphological divergence between regions was high despite low differentiation in selectively neutral genetic markers, whereas populations within regions showed very little neutral divergence and trait differentiation.QST > FSTwas robust against altering assumptions about the additive genetic proportions of variance components. The homogenizing effect of gene flow (or a short time available for neutral divergence) has apparently been effectively counterbalanced by differential natural selection, although one trait showed some evidence of being under uniform stabilizing selection. Neutral markers can hence be misleading for identifying evolutionary significant units, and adopting thePST–FSTapproach might therefore be valuable when common garden experiments is not an option. We discuss the statistical difficulties of documenting uniform selection as opposed to divergent selection, and the need for estimating measurement error. Instead of only comparing overallQSTandFSTvalues, we advocate the use of partial matrix permutation tests to analyse pairwiseQSTdifferences among populations, while statistically controlling for neutral differentiation.
Nonadditive effects of group membership can lead to additive group phenotypes for anti‐predator behaviour of guppies,Poecilia reticulata
Authors: BLEAKLEY B. H. , PARKER D. J. , BRODIE E. D. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractNonadditive effects of group membership are generated when individuals respond differently to the same social environment and may alter predictions about how behavioural evolution will occur. Despite this importance, the relationship between an individual's behaviour in two different social contexts and how reciprocal interactions among individuals within groups influence group behaviour are poorly understood. Guppy anti‐predator behaviour can be used to explore how individuals behaviourally respond to changes in social context. Individuals from two strains were tested for response to a model predator alone and in groups to evaluate how individuals alter their behaviour in response to social context and how group phenotype relates to individual behaviour. Nonadditive effects of group membership were detected for a number of behaviours, revealing that the effect of being in a group differed among individuals. These nonadditive effects, however, yielded an additive group phenotype. That is, the average behaviour of the group was equal to the average of its parts, for all behaviours in both strains. Such an additive group phenotype may have resulted because all individuals within a group respond to the specific social environment provided by the other members of their group.
Effects of Body Condition and Protein Supplementation on LH Secretion and Luteal Function in Sheep
Authors: Meza‐Herrera CA , Ross T , Hallford D , Hawkins D , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A 
Published: May 2007

ContentsIn ruminants, nutrition is one of the exogenous inputs affecting reproductive function at different levels of the hypothalamic–hypophyseal–gonadal axis. However, the exact mechanisms or even the identification of the signalling metabolic compounds by which nutrition affects reproductive function still need further clarification. The role of static body condition (BC) and its interaction with a short‐term protein supplementation (PL), on secretion of metabolic hormones [growth hormone (GH), insulin and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1)], as well as on secretion of LH and progesterone (P4) was evaluated in sheep. Twenty‐four Rambouillet ewes divided into two groups, with lower (LBC) and higher body condition (HBC), were randomly assigned within BC to one of two PL levels: low (LPL, 24% of crude protein; 14 g/animal/day), and high (HPL, 44% of crude protein; 30 g/animal/day). The secretion of GH, insulin, IGF‐1 and LH was evaluated on day 10 of the oestrous cycle; appearance and timing of oestrous behaviour were previously detected using rams. Progesterone secretion was evaluated on day 13 of the same cycle. No differences were found (p > 0.05) between PL groups on serum GH concentrations during the sampling period (overall mean of 4.0 ± 0.3 ng/ml), but a trend for lower values in HBC sheep was found (3.6 ± 0.4 vs 4.4 ± 0.4 ng/ml, p = 0.06). A BC effect was observed (p < 0.05) on serum IGF‐1 level, with higher values in HBC sheep (p < 0.05). Neither BC nor PL affected (p > 0.05) secretion of LH and the number of corpora lutea, nor serum P4 and insulin concentrations. Results indicate a predominance of the static component of nutrition on sheep metabolic hormone responses, GH and IGF‐1, with no effect of short‐term PL on secretion of pituitary and ovarian hormones as well as luteal number and activity.
Controlled release of dehydroacetic acid sodium salt for the stability improvement of cosmetic formulations*
Authors: GAZZANIGA A. , SANGALLI M.E. , GIORDANO F. , CONTE U. , SEMENZATO A. , BETTERO A. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisThe kinetics of decomposition of the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid (DHA.Na) in presence of formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors was investigated. The possibility of preparing systems capable of providing the cosmetic preparation with increasing amounts of DHA.Na corresponding to portions interacted with formaldehyde was explored. Data relevant to matrices prepared from ethylcellulose and polyethylene by casting and moulding process, respectively, are reported and discussed. Experimental data demonstrate the possibility of preparing polymeric systems able to control in terms of rate and duration the relase of DHA.Na, according to time and concentration needs of a typical cosmetic formulation.
Influence of the polar phase in the formulation of cosmetics
Authors: COMELLES F. , CAELLES J. , PASCUAL A. , LEAL J. SÁNCHEZ 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisFrequently, the incoporation of the polar phase, as a second step in the formulation of a cosmetic, is considered as a simple dilution process. This work shows the influence of the polar phase on the final formulation, according to its constitution as well as the method of incorporation. Modelling the system through a regular tetrahedron suggests alternative ways to the usual method of incorporation (direct titration with a polar phase with a given composition), based on selective incorporation of the polar ingredients (double titration procedures). Depending on the constitution of the polar phase, it is possible to obtain different kinds of formulations (gel, liquids, …), and, depending on the different possibilities of incorporation of the polar ingredients, identical compositions can be formulated in terms of percentage of their components, but showing different rheological characteristics, allowing an adaptation to the required specific needs of formulation.
Stability of vitamin A palmitate in cosmetic emulsions: influence of physical parameters
Authors: SEMENZATO A. , BAÙ A. , DALL'AGLIO C. , NICOLINI M. , BETTERO A. , CALLIARI I. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisThe aim of this work was to verify if a close relationship exists between the physical stability of an emulsion and the chemical stability of vitamin A palmitate included in it. Oil‐in‐water cosmetic emulsions with high viscoelastic properties were prepared, and their rheological behaviour was investigated in oscillatory conditions. The stability of each sample was verified in high‐temperature stress conditions: periodical checks of physical parameters and chromatographic analysis of vitamin A were performed during storage. Results show that the chemical stability of vitamin A palmitate strictly depends on the physical stability of the formulation and in particular on the presence of a coherent gel‐like structure in the external phase of the emulsion.