bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two different treatment regimens in women with preterm contractions who were admitted to a hospital due to a presumptive diagnosis of preterm labor: An observational study
Authors: Chalermchockcharoenkit Amphan , Rattanachaiyanont Manee , Kongjeera Amporn , Pimol Kanjana , Sirisomboon Ratre , Yusamran Chaweewan 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAim:  To determine the effect of adherence to a set of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for the management of preterm contractions on health‐care resource consumption and pregnancy outcomes.Methods:  This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care university hospital from January 2003 to December 2004. Comparisons were made between the cases receiving treatment according to the CPG (CPG group) and those receiving treatment deviating from the CPG (non‐CPG group).Results:  There were 203 patients with preterm contractions. Compared with the CPG group, the non‐CPG group had a higher rate of both tocolytic and steroid use, a longer maternal hospital stay, and a lower neonatal birthweight.Conclusions:  Adherence to CPG in patients with preterm contractions at 28+0−36+6 weeks' gestation consumes fewer health‐care resources without compromising pregnancy outcomes.
Skeletal morphology and development of the olfactory region of Spea (Anura: Scaphiopodidae)
Authors: Pugener L. A. , Maglia A. M. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe nasal capsules of anurans are formed by an intricate set of sac‐like cavities that house the olfactory organ and constitute the beginning of the respiratory system. In tadpoles, nasal capsules do not have a respiratory function, but each is composed of a single soft tissue cavity lined with olfactory epithelium. Our study has revealed that in Spea the nasal cartilages and septomaxillae are de novo adult structures that form dorsal to the larval skeleton of the ethmoid region. The only element of the adult nasal capsule that is partially derived from the larval skeleton is the solum nasi. Development of the nasal skeleton begins at about Gosner Stage 31, with chondrification of the septum nasi and lamina orbitonasalis. The alary cartilage and superior prenasal cartilage are the first of the anterior nasal cartilages to chondrify at Gosner Stage 37. By Gosner Stages 40/41, the ethmoid region is composed of the larval structures ventrally and the adult structures dorsally. By Stage 44, the larval structures have eroded. The adult nasal capsule is characterized by: (1) a septum nasi that projects ventrally beyond the plane of the nasal floor; (2) a paranasal commissure that forms the ventral margin of the fenestra nasolateralis; and (3) a large skeletal support for the eminentia olfactoria formed by the nasal floor and vomer. The timing of chondrification of the anterior nasal cartilages and the development of the postnasal wall, inferior prenasal cartilage, fenestra nasolateralis, and paranasal commissure are discussed and compared with those of other anuran species. This study also includes a discussion of the morphology of the skeletal support for the eminentia olfactoria, a structure best developed in distinctly ground‐dwelling frogs such as spadefoot toads. Finally, we propose a more precise restriction of the terminology that is used to designate the posterior structures of the olfactory region of anurans.
First report of antennular attachment organs in a barnacle nauplius larva
Authors: Watanabe H. , Høeg J. T. , Chan B. K. K. , Kado R. , Kojima S. , Sari A. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractLarvae released from Newmaniverruca albatrossiana were cultured in the laboratory until the cypris stage. The brood size of individuals was low, about 60 larvae per brood. The exact number of instars was not determined. Early instars had the morphology normally seen in lecithotrophic nauplii of thoracican cirripedes. They had uniramous antennules with a few apical setae and biramous antennae and mandibles equipped with natatory setae only. Neither antennae nor mandibles carried any enditic spines or setae and the mouth cone was diminutive. The last nauplius stage obtained in our cultures was typical except in the structure of antennules. The head shield was enlarged but not flexed down, the antennae and mandibles were virtually unchanged from earlier instars, and the ventral thoracic process was well developed but without any external appendages. In contrast, the antennules had the complex shape and segmentation otherwise seen only in cypris larvae, where they are used for bipedal walking on the substratum in search of a settlement site. The similarity included the specialized shape of the first two antennular segments and the specialization of the third as an attachment organ. Nauplii just prior to this last instar had simple, straight antennules but completely lacked setae and instead terminated bluntly in what appears to be an incipient attachment organ. The presence of cypris‐like antennules in late nauplii has not previously been recorded in cirripedes. We suggest that this will allow the larvae to attach on the substratum temporarily before they reach the cypris instar and this will increase the chance of settling successfully on their rare substratum (sea urchin spines). The specialization in late N. albatrossiana nauplii will therefore decrease mortality during the larval phase and thus counterbalance the very low breeding potential in this deep‐sea species.
Diet and prey selection in the trawling long‐fingered bat
Authors: Almenar D. , Aihartza J. , Goiti U. , Salsamendi E. , Garin I. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe diet of the long‐fingered batMyotis capacciniiis poorly known, and there is no previously recorded information on this species' prey preferences. To investigate these subjects, we captured 51 individuals at a nursery cave in the Iberian Peninsula, from pre‐breeding to post‐lactation seasons. Each bat's diet composition was assessed by faecal content analysis and its foraging places (rivers, pools and channels) identified by radio‐telemetry. To estimate prey availability, we sampled arthropods in the individual bats' identified foraging places and also emulated the bats' hunting technique. The bats' diet comprised of arthropods, dominated by small insects with aquatic larvae and flying adult phases. The most consumed taxon was Nematocera (mainly Chironomidae), including adults and pupae, which were also found to be the most abundant prey over water. Other frequently consumed prey were brachycerans, lepidopterans, arachnids, trichopterans and neuropterans. Diet proportions were compared with prey availability to infer a rank of preferences. The preferred prey were lepidopterans and arachnids, both having a terrestrial life cycle and a bigger size than any other taxa consumed. Without discarding the possible underestimation of prey's aerial availability, the observed preference pattern seems to be a consequence of selection for size more than for specific taxa. ApparentlyM. capacciniiefficiently exploit water‐related prey according to availability when the bats hunt low over the water's surface, and are also able to take more profitable prey found higher in the air.
Sex‐biased gene flow and colonization in the Formosan lesser horseshoe bat: inference from nuclear and mitochondrial markers
Authors: Chen S.‐ F. , Jones G. , Rossiter S. J. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractSex‐biased behaviours are expected to play an important role in partitioning genetic variance in animal populations. Comparing genetic structure at markers with different modes of inheritance provides a means of detecting these behaviours and their consequences for population genetic structure. In colonially breeding mammals, the common combination of female philopatry and male vagility can promote contrasting patterns of genetic differentiation between the sexes, both via their effects on recurrent gene flow and on colonization. We examined sex differences in gene flow and structure by comparing maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and biparentally inherited autosomal loci in the Formosan lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus monoceros. We found that genetic partitioning was higher at mtDNA than autosomal markers in both sexes, indicative of female‐biased philopatry and male‐biased dispersal. Across Taiwan, isolation‐by‐distance was detected for all sex/marker combinations but was steeper for mtDNA than for nuclear markers. We suggest that isolation‐by‐distance shown from mtDNA at large scales is likely to reflect the stepwise founding of new breeding colonies by females during colonization. In contrast, no isolation‐by‐distance was found at smaller distances of up to 100 km, indicating that gene flow and/or recent shared ancestry homogenises genetic structure among nearby sites. Our results highlight the value of an indirect genetic approach to understanding sex‐biased behaviours and their consequences in a little‐studied species.
Innovative approaches to domestic heating: homeowners' perceptions and factors influencing their choice of heating system
Authors: Mahapatra Krushna , Gustavsson Leif 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe paper focuses on Swedish homeowners' perceptions of innovative heating systems, and those factors that influence their decision to adopt a new heating system. The systems studied were: district heating, heat pumps and pellet boilers. Results of two household surveys – one covering the whole of Sweden in autumn 2004 and the other in the city of Östersund in summer 2005 – revealed that approximately 80% of the survey respondents, particularly those with resistance heaters, did not intend to install an innovative heating system. Economic aspects, functional reliability and indoor air quality were found to be the most important factors influencing respondents' choice of a heating system. Survey respondents thought that a bedrock heat pump system has a number of advantages with respect to the annual cost of heating, security of fuel supply, environmental benignity, market value of the home and low greenhouse gas emission. A district heating system has advantages regarding functional reliability, system automation and time required to obtain information. A pellet boiler system has one main advantage: investment cost. Compared with homeowners having other types of heating systems, those with resistance heaters accorded more importance to investment cost due to the high cost of installing a water‐based system for heat distribution within the home.
Brain abscess and bacterial endocarditis in a Kerry Blue Terrier with a history of immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia
Authors: Bach Jonathan F. , Mahony Orla M. , Tidwell Amy S. , Rush John E. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjective: To describe a case of multifocal brain abscessation as a sequela from bacterial endocarditis in a dog with a 4‐month history of immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) and treatment with immunosuppressive therapies.Case summary: An 8‐year‐old spayed female Kerry Blue Terrier weighing 13 kg was presented for evaluation of progressive neurologic deficits after a 4‐month history of immunosuppressive treatment of ITP. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed lesions consistent with multiple central nervous system abscesses and rupture of an abscess into an adjacent ventricle. Staphylococcus species were cultured from blood and cerebral spinal fluid and a vegetative lesion of the mitral valve was identified by echocardiographic examination. Intensive care, intravenous antibiotics, and supportive therapy led to resolution of clinical signs. Resolution of the vegetative lesion on the mitral valve was documented by serial echocardiographic examination. The dog was clinically normal 11 months after treatment.New or unique information provided: Bacterial endocarditis can be an occult infection and difficult to diagnose. Emboli from endocarditis are common, but those that affect the spleen and kidneys are often clinically silent in dogs. This case represents the first report of multifocal brain abscessation (documented with magnetic resonance imaging) as a sequela from bacterial endocarditis.
Review of hypocalcemia in septic patients
Authors: Holowaychuk Marie K. , Martin Linda G. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjective:To review the occurrence and etiologies of hypocalcemia in septic human and veterinary patients.Data sources:A thorough search was conducted using CAB abstracts and MEDLINE and the keywords hypocalcemia, ionized calcium, sepsis, and procalcitonin (proCT).Human data synthesis:Ionized hypocalcemia (iHCa) is a common finding in septic human patients. The cause is unknown but is likely multifactorial. Low ionized calcium (iCa2+) concentrations coincide with increased severity of illness and increased mortality. Recent studies show that iHCa has a strong correlation with elevated calcitonin precursor concentrations.Veterinary data synthesis:There is a paucity of publications in the veterinary literature pertaining to iHCa in septic animals. Experimental models of sepsis indicate that iHCa exists in animals. iHCa has also been investigated in horses with enterocolitis and endotoxemia. Prospective studies are needed to determine the prevalence of iHCa among septic small animals, and to determine whether iHCa correlates with increased mortality and severity of disease. Indications for the treatment of iHCa in septic small animals also need to be investigated.Conclusions:iHCa is well documented in septic human patients, but little is known about iHCa in septic veterinary patients. Future veterinary studies should focus on documenting the presence of iHCa in septic patients and steps should be taken to determine the cause. proCT concentrations may show promise for predicting sepsis and mortality in critically ill veterinary patients.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome in dogs and cats: a review of clinical findings and pathophysiology
Authors: DeClue Amy E. , Cohn Leah A. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjective:To review the clinical and pathophysiologic aspects of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in dogs and cats.Data sources:Data from human and veterinary literature were reviewed through Medline and CAB as well as manual search of references listed in articles pertaining to acute lung injury (ALI)/ARDS.Human data synthesis:Since the term ARDS was first coined in 1967, there has been a abundance of literature pertaining to this devastating syndrome in human medicine. More complete understanding of the complex interactions between inflammatory cells, soluble mediators (e.g., tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, platelet activating factor) and the clinical patient has provided for timely recognition and mechanistically based protective strategies decreasing morbidity and mortality in human patients with ARDS.Veterinary data synthesis:Although little is known, ARDS is becoming a more commonly recognized sequela in small animals. Initial case reports and retrospective studies have provided basic clinical characterization of ARDS in dogs and cats. Additionally, information from experimental models has expanded our understanding of the inflammatory mechanisms involved. It appears that the inflammatory processes and pathologic changes associated with ARDS are similar in dogs, cats, and humans.Conclusions:Unfortunately, current mortality rates for ARDS in small animals are close to 100%. As our capability to treat patients with advanced life‐threatening disease increases, it is vital that we develop a familiarity with the pathogenesis of ARDS. Understanding the complex inflammatory interactions is essential for determining effective preventative and management strategies as well as designing novel therapies for veterinary patients.
Clinical trials in spontaneous disease in dogs: a new paradigm for investigations of sepsis
Authors: Otto Cynthia M. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjective:To provide evidence that naturally occurring sepsis in dogs provides a unique opportunity to test new therapies in clinically relevant settings.Data sources:Human and veterinary literature.Human data synthesis:Sepsis is a devastating condition responsible for most intensive care unit deaths. Most clinical trials targeting inflammatory mediators of sepsis have failed to improve outcome in clinical patients despite promising results in laboratory animal models. Animal models of sepsis fail to reproduce the clinical syndrome and therefore lead to conclusions that may not be relevant to clinical care.Veterinary data synthesis:Sepsis is recognized but not well‐characterized in companion animal species. Despite some species variability, the cardiopulmonary response to sepsis in dogs is similar to humans. Additionally, inflammatory and coagulation changes that accompany canine sepsis are consistent with those documented in humans. Sepsis secondary to canine parvoviral infection offers the advantages of relative population homogeneity, predictable course, and easy early diagnosis. The disadvantages of canine parvovirus are that it affects a predominantly young and healthy population and results in low mortality with aggressive supportive care. Septic peritonitis and pneumonia have high mortality but can be challenging to diagnose, have a variable course, and affect a heterogeneous population, which can be an advantage or a disadvantage.Conclusions:Similar to trials currently being performed in canine cancer patients, veterinary clinical trials of new sepsis therapeutics may provide a unique opportunity to advance the treatment of sepsis in dogs, humans, and other species. Spontaneous sepsis from canine parvovirus, peritonitis, and pneumonia are common clinical conditions in which therapeutics can be tested.
Biopsychosocial Correlates of Headache: What Predicts Pediatric Headache Occurrence?
Authors: Kröner‐Herwig Birgit , Morris Lisette , Heinrich Marion 
Published: December 2007

Objective.— The study aims at identifying biopsychosocial risk factors for headache in children and adolescents aged 9 to 14.Methods.— An epidemiological survey was conducted in a randomly drawn population sample of families with children in the above age group. Questionnaires were mailed to parents and children (n = 6400), on whose data this report is based. The objective of the study was to establish a profile of risk factors regarding the occurrence of headache. Headache, as the criterion variable, was ranked according to its frequency in the last 6 months (no, rare, monthly, weekly). Independent variables came from 6 domains: health, socioeconomic, family, school, leisure/peers, and psychological factors. Data analysis was conducted via multinomial regression analyses in a 4‐step strategy: (1) analysis of age and sex as control variables; (2) analysis of single variables from each of the 6 domains (controlled for age and sex); (3) domain analyses; and (4) comprehensive analysis including all significant variables from the domain analyses.Results.— Age and sex explained a small but significant proportion of the variance in headache frequency (3.5%). All health variables, several socioeconomic, and most family‐ and school‐related as well as the psychological variables demonstrated a significant association with the criterion in the single variable models. However, only a few of the variables related to leisure/peer activities reached significance. The domain model comprising health variables explained 27% of the variance, achieving the best model fit, followed by the psychological model with 13%.Conclusions.— The comprehensive model was able to explain one third of the total variance in headache occurrence. Contrary to our hypothesis, the addition of psychosocial variables to health‐related predictors did not markedly improve model fit.
Defining the spectrum of international practice in pediatric epilepsy surgery patients
Authors: Harvey A. Simon , Cross J. Helen , Shinnar Shlomo , Mathern Gary W. ,   the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Survey Taskforce
Published: December 2007

Summary Purpose: The Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Sub‐commission of the International League Against Epilepsy conducted a survey to determine the frequency of epilepsy procedures and etiologies. Methods: Data were gathered from 20 programs in the United States, Europe, and Australia on 543 patients (<18 years) for calendar year 2004. Results: Age at seizure onset was 1 year or less in 46% of patients. Intracranial electrodes were used in 27% of patients. The most common final operation was lobar and focal resections of the frontal and temporal lobes (41%), followed by cerebral hemispherectomy (16%), vagus nerve stimulator (16%), and multilobar resections (13%). Multiple‐subpial transections were uncommon procedures (0.6%). The most frequent etiologies were cortical dysplasia (42%), tumors (19%), and atrophic lesions and strokes (10%). Less common were vascular lesions (1.5%), Rasmussen encephalitis (3%), Sturge–Weber (3%), and operations for infantile spasms (4%), and Landau–Kleffner/ESES (<2%). Children <4 years generally presented with daily seizures from cortical dysplasia and underwent multilobar or hemispherectomy. Previous surgeries before 2004 were reported in 22%, and occurred more commonly in patients with tumors (40%), hypothalamic hamartomas (47%), and vascular lesions (67%). U.S. centers reported more vagus nerve stimulator procedures, operated more often on children with no or subtle MRI findings, and used intracranial electrodes and functional neuroimaging more frequently than programs in Europe and Australia. Conclusions: The results of this international survey show the feasibility of international collaborations in determining epilepsy etiologies and procedures in children, and suggest differences in clinical practice between regions of the world. These results can guide the design of future studies in producing guidelines for therapy‐resistant pediatric epilepsy surgery patients.
Never perform laser treatment of skin tumors with clinical “EFG” criteria
Authors: Giacomel Jason , Zalaudek Iris , Mordente Ines , Nicolino Rachele , Argenziano Giuseppe 
Published: December 2007

SummaryLaser treatment is a common procedure for the treatment of cosmetically troubling skin lesions but has the limitation that histopathologic diagnosis is usually not obtained prior to treatment. Laser treatment of melanomas with benign clinical features may delay or make more difficult the correct diagnosis of such tumors. A helpful tool to identify clinically innocent appearing melanomas is the “EFG” rule, summarizing the common clinical features as “elevated, firm skin lesions showing continuous growth”. We report a 42‐year‐old woman who presented with a recurrent and metastatic melanoma after laser treatment of a tumor which was apparently clinically innocent and highlight the clinical features of such benign‐looking melanomas.