bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal variation in the fruiting phenology of palms in isolated stands
Authors: ADLER GREGORY H. , LAMBERT THOMAS D. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractFruiting phenologies of two species of palms,Astrocaryum standleyanumL. H. Bailey andAttalea butyracea(Mutis ex L. f) Wess. Boer, isolated on eight small (1.7–3.7 ha) forested islands in the Panama Canal were studied over a 33‐month period. Individual palms were permanently marked with numbered aluminum tags and censused each month for the presence of ripe fruits. The dataset consisted of 1106 monthly observations of palms with ripe fruits among the 634 marked individuals. Mean densities of palms of reproductive size varied widely among islands, ranging from a low of 0.3 ha−1forA. standleyanumand 3.5 ha−1forA. butyraceato a high of 44.9 ha−1forA. standleyanumand 33.7 ha−1forA. butyracea. Both species showed distinctly seasonal periods of fruiting activity that varied in duration between the two species and among years. The timing of fruiting byA. standleyanumwas highly synchronous among islands, whereas inter‐island synchrony inA. butyraceawas less pronounced. The percentages of marked individuals that fruited varied widely among islands and years. Results indicated that these palms responded to both spatially and temporally variable conditions that promoted fruit production. We suggest that pollinator abundances are a crucial factor affecting reproductive output. Conditions that favor successful reproduction and seed dispersal, such as pollinator activity and the attraction of dispersal agents, may be the ultimate factors that have influenced the reproductive phenologies of these two species of palms.
Comparison of the seed germination of native and non‐native winter annual Apiaceae in North America, with particular focus onCyclospermum leptophyllumnaturalized from South America
Authors: WALCK JEFFREY L. , BASKIN CAROL C. , HIDAYATI SITI N. , BASKIN JERRY M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTo increase our knowledge of the seed dormancy breaking and germination requirements of native and non‐native winter annual Apiaceae in temperate eastern North America, a study was conducted on seeds ofCyclospermum (Apium) leptophyllum, which is native to South America, but naturalized in North America and elsewhere. A high percentage of fresh seeds germinated over a narrow range of temperatures, but the range increased when seeds were incubated continuously in light or buried in soil at high summer temperatures, indicating the presence of conditional physiological dormancy (PD). Embryos grew from approximately 0.3 to 1.25 mm (316% increase in length) inside the seeds before the radicle emerged; thus, seeds had morphological dormancy (MD) as well as PD, that is, morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). Embryo growth did not occur during summer in seeds exposed to natural temperatures, but embryos did grow in autumn. For seeds sown in the field in June, both embryo growth and germination occurred in autumn. Thus, seeds have non‐deep simple MPD, with PD being broken in summer and MD in autumn. A comparison ofC. leptophyllumwith native and non‐native winter annual Apiaceae in the region reveals that all species have MD, but the proportion of fresh seeds that also has PD (thus, MPD) varies between species. A combination of factors, including PD, an inability to germinate at high summer temperatures, a relatively low temperature requirement for embryo growth and a lack of dispersal until autumn (in two non‐natives), delays germination of both natives and non‐natives until autumn, when conditions are favorable for both germination and seedling establishment.
Breaking seed dormancy in specially protected Turbinicarpus lophophoroides and Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus (Cactaceae)
Authors: FLORES JOEL , JURADO ENRIQUE , JIMÉNEZ‐BREMONT JUAN FRANCISCO 
Published: February 2008

Abstract Turbinicarpus lophophoroides (Werderm) and Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus (Backeb) are cacti species under special protection status. Both species have seed dormancy. To help preserve these species we ran seed germination experiments to determine the effect of seed age and putrescine on breaking seed dormancy. The treatments used were seed age (from four different years) and the administration of exogenous putrescine (0.1 μmol/L, 0.1 mmol/L and a control). The seed collection years were 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005 for T. lophophoroides, and 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 for T. pseudopectinatus. The response variable evaluated was the final germination percentage. Turbinicarpus lophophoroides showed the greatest germination percentage for seeds that had been collected for 4 years (2001), both in the control (66%) and in the 0.1 μmol/L putrescine (54%) treatments. Seeds of T. pseudopectinatus with the greatest germination percentage (48%) were those collected within a year (2004) for the control group. This implies that putrescine inhibited the germination of T. pseudopectinatus. The results show that both species have the potential to produce seed banks.
Life‐history monographs of Japanese plants. 10: Fritillaria koidzumiana Ohwi (Liliaceae)
Authors: KAWANO SHOICHI , MASUDA JUNZO , HAYASHI KAZUHIKO 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe life‐history characteristics of Fritillaria koidzumiana Ohwi (Liliaceae) are described here. This is a typical spring ephemeral of deciduous forests in the lowlands of central Honshu, ranging from Yamagata to Ishikawa Prefecture along the Japan Sea coast, but with very peculiar disjunctions in Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures on the Pacific side. This small insect‐pollinated polycarpic perennial herb bears a single unshowy greenish yellow flower, blooming downward, but attracting pollinators, such as small bees and flies, and produces numerous propagules exclusively by means of sexual reproduction. Frutescence occurs in late April to mid‐May. Seed outputs are high, with fecundity levels attaining approximately 75% per ovary. Seeds are furnished with an elaiosome and susceptible to ant dispersal.
Lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction: a common approach
Authors: Giuliano François 
Published: February 2008

Alpha1‐adrenergic blockers (α1‐blockers) are considered the most effective monotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Phosphodiesterase type‐5 (PDE‐5) inhibitors are the first‐line treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). As LUTS and ED are strongly linked, co‐prescription of both drug classes is likely to increase.Interaction studies have confirmed that tadalafil, a long‐acting PDE‐5 inhibitor, has only marginal effects on blood pressure when co‐administered with the selective α1‐blockers, alfuzosin or tamsulosin. α1‐blockers show an incidence of ED similar to placebo; they may even have some benefit on sexual function in men with concomitant LUTS and sexual dysfunction, with the exception of tamsulosin which causes anejaculation. On the other hand, PDE‐5 inhibitors have a beneficial effect on LUTS. These agents are likely to act via different mechanisms of action, providing the rationale for combining them to treat LUTS and ED. Indeed, alfuzosin and tadalafil show an additive relaxant effect on human detrusor muscle, human prostate tissue and human corpus cavernosum in vitro. A pilot study also suggests that daily intake of alfuzosin 10 mg and sildenafil 25 mg is well tolerated and may be more effective than monotherapy to improve LUTS and ED. Further research is warranted to establish the value of this combination therapy in LUTS and ED.
Costs of metabolic syndrome‐related diseases induced by obesity in Taiwan
Authors: Fu T. , Wen T. , Yeh P. , Chang H. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe objective of this paper is to estimate the cost of obesity's contribution to the metabolic syndrome diseases in Taiwan. We used individual data from the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Two‐Township Study survey and medical use and expenditures data from the Bureau of National Health Insurance (NHI) of Taiwan. By adopting the prevalence‐based and population attributable risk (PAR) approaches, direct costs of obesity for six kinds of obesity related metabolic syndrome diseases have been estimated. Comorbidities used in our analysis included ischemic heart diseases, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease accident, diabetes, hyper‐cholesterolaemia and hypertension. The results indicate that overweight and obesity are associated with a higher prevalence and costs of the metabolic syndrome related diseases. PAR increases as the obese [body mass index (BMI)] prevalence increases. About 4–9% of the costs of those diseases can be attributed to overweight (24 ≤ BMI < 27) and about 7–13% and 8–19% of such costs are attributable to the first and second degree obesity (27 ≤ BMI < 30 and BMI ≥ 30). The cost of obesity derived from the PAR and medical costs of metabolic syndrome diseases accounts for 2.9% of the national total healthcare expenditure. We therefore conclude that overweight and obesity have increased health costs and resulted in higher prevalence of and greater costs from metabolic syndrome related diseases in Taiwan. These findings provide important support for implementing obesity prevention programs in Taiwan.
Impact of famine during pregnancy and infancy on health in adulthood
Authors: Yang Z. , Zhao W. , Zhang X. , Mu R. , Zhai Y. , Kong L. , Chen C. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe objectives of the present study are (i) To examine the association between fetal nutritional status and overweight and obesity in adulthood and (ii) to provide the evidence for formulating a strategy to prevent low birth weight. With data from the 2002 Nationwide Nutrition and Health Survey, the body mass indexes (BMIs) of rural residents born during the famine years of 1959, 1960, 1961 were compared with those born in 1964. The health consequence of famine on the adulthood BMI was evident in women; the mean BMIs of the women were significantly higher in the three famine groups than that in the control group born in 1964 (P < 0.01). After adjustment for regional differences within China, the prevalences of overweight in women were significantly higher in the three famine groups (P < 0.01) and of obesity in the 1959 and 1960 groups. (P < 0.01). Such differences were not found in men. The higher risks of overweight and obesity in women were caused by malnutrition in fetal life. A strategy for preventing low birth weight should be formulated by the government to prevent chronic disease in adulthood.
Catatonia in an Alzheimer's dementia patient
Authors: KENDURKAR Arvind 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe present case report is of an 82‐year‐old woman, a known case of Alzheimer's dementia, referred to the Department of Psychiatry for evaluation regarding the sudden onset of a change in behavior. A diagnosis of catatonia caused by an acute psychotic illness was made. The patient was given a trial of lorazepam, failing which quetiapine was given, leading to complete resolution in 4 weeks. Quetiapine was withdrawn after 3 months and the patient was found to be well in next 6 months of follow up. Catatonia is known to exist in many disorders. In the elderly, it is reported to occur in primarily four types of disorders: organic, psychotic, mood and toxic. However, a few reports also suggest an association between catatonia and Lewy body dementia. There have been no previous reports of catatonia with Alzheimer's dementia. The planning of management is often difficult in such cases, because no single approach has been found to be absolutely effective.
Associations between Electrocardiographic Interval Durations and Coronary Artery Calcium Scores: The Diabetes Heart Study
Authors: NELSON MATTHEW R. , DANIEL KURT R. , CARR J. JEFFREY , FREEDMAN BARRY I. , PRINEAS RONALD J. , BOWDEN DONALD W. , HERRINGTON DAVID M. 
Published: February 2008

Background: The mechanisms underlying the associations between QT interval duration and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remain unclear. It has been assumed that these associations are driven by abnormal myocardial repolarization. We examined the relationship between coronary artery disease, measured by coronary artery calcified plaque (CAC), and the duration of QRS, JT, and QT intervals, among predominantly type two diabetic participants.
Methods: The study sample included 1,123 subjects from the Diabetes Heart Study, of whom 85% had type 2 diabetes. Correlations between electrocardiogram interval durations and log‐transformed coronary artery calcified (CAC) were assessed in univariate and sequential multivariable generalized estimating equation models adjusted for familial correlations, heart rate, age, race, gender, diabetes status, hypertension status, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking status, systolic blood pressure, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, QT‐prolonging medications, and use of exogenous estrogen.
Results: QT interval duration significantly correlated with the extent of CAC in univariate (r = 0.09, P = 0.01) and multivariable models (r = 0.08, P = 0.01). We observed strong correlations between the QRS duration and CAC in univariate (r = 0.23, P < 0.0001) and adjusted models (r = 0.10, P = 0.01). In contrast, the JT interval was not associated with CAC. A strong correlation existed between the QRS interval and CAC in men (QRS: r = 0.24, P ≤ 0.0001) and diabetics (QRS: r = 0.25, P ≤ 0.0001) but was absent in women and nondiabetics. These relationships were not modified by CVD, race, or presence of bundle branch block.
Conclusion: QT duration correlates with the amount of CAC in a predominantly diabetic population. The association between QT duration and CAC is driven by QRS and not JT interval duration.
The influence of different food and drink on tics in Tourette syndrome
Authors: Müller‐Vahl Kirsten R. , Buddensiek Nadine , Geomelas Menedimos , Emrich Hinderk M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim: Tourette syndrome (TS) is characterized by waxing and waning motor and vocal tics. Because standard medication often remains unsatisfactory, many patients seek alternative medicine. The aim of this study was to increase experience about the influence of food and drinks in TS.Methods: A standardized questionnaire was sent to 887 people recruited from our Tourette outpatient clinic and the German TS self‐aid group. Respondents should assess whether 32 different foods influenced their tics.Results: Two hundred twenty‐four questionnaires could be used for analyses. A significant positive correlation (tic deterioration) was found for caffeine‐ and theine‐containing drinks such as coke (p < 0.001), coffee (p < 0.001) and black tea (p < 0.001) as well as for preserving agents (p < 0.001), refined sugar (p < 0.001) and sweeteners (p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation (tic improvement) was not found.Conclusions: Results from this first survey investigating the influence of special foods and drinks on tics demonstrated that 34% and 47% of responders, respectively, assessed that coffee and coke deteriorate tics. It, therefore, can be speculated that caffeine may further stimulate an already overactive dopaminergic system in TS and thus increases tics. However, from these preliminary data, no further general recommendations regarding special diets and food restrictions can be made.
Hospitalization for vascular complications in childhood onset type 1 diabetes – effects of gender and age at onset
Authors: Dahlquist G , Möllsten A , Källén B ,   Swedish Childhood Diabetes Study Group
Published: February 2008

AbstractAims: To study the cumulative incidence of hospitalization for severe diabetic vascular complications in childhood onset type 1 diabetes patients with special regards to age at onset and gender.Methods: The Swedish Childhood Diabetes Register (SCDR) was linked to the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register up to 31 December 2004. The following diagnoses were traced: diabetic kidney disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, lower limb arterial disease and diabetes with multiple complications. Cox proportional hazards survival method was applied with the following covariates: maternal age, birthweight deviation from gestational week standard, age at onset and gender.Results: Until 31 December 9974 children had been followed for at least 10 years corresponding to 141 839 person years at risk and 103 (7.3 per 1000 person years) had been hospitalized at least once at the maximum duration of follow‐up of 26 years. Diabetic kidney disease was the most common cause of hospitalization and 63 patients had more than one diabetic complication. Female gender (RR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.05–3.89) and age at onset of diabetes (RR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.20–1.56) were significant risk factors for severe complication.Conclusions: Hospitalization for severe diabetic complications at a maximum follow‐up of 26 years is rather low in Sweden. There is a higher hospitalization rate among females than among males, and also among patients diagnosed with diabetes after 10 years of age than among patients diagnosed before the age of 10 years.
Major salivary gland output differs between users and non‐users of specific medication categories
Authors: Wolff Andy , Zuk‐Paz Limor , Kaplan Ilana 
Published: February 2008

Background:  The intake of medications is a major aetiologic factor of xerostomia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the selective influence of medication categories on flow rates of individual major salivary glands.Methods:  The effect of each medication category on salivary flow rates was determined by dichotomy comparisons between users and non‐users. A total of 246 patients were included, 79 males and 167 females aged 13–92 years (mean 63 years). Of these, 200 used medications, which were grouped according to their category. A comprehensive medical and oral examination was performed. Both unstimulated and stimulated saliva was collected separately from the parotid and submandibular/sublingual glands.Results:  Parotid flow rate was decreased among users of tranquillisers and sedatives (unstimulated flow), cardiovascular drugs and gastrointestinal drugs (stimulated flow). Submandibular/sublingual unstimulated output was lower in patients taking cardiovascular drugs, antihistamines, tranquillisers/sedatives and antidepressants, while the stimulated flow, in those taking cardiovascular drugs, antihistamines, tranquillisers/sedatives and gastrointestinal drugs.Conclusions:  Users of many common medication categories display significantly reduced unstimulated and/or stimulated salivary flow rate from the major salivary glands compared with non‐users. A larger number of medication categories are associated with reductions in salivary flow rate from submandibular/sublingual glands than parotid glands.
Pathways and Determinants of Early Spontaneous Vegetation Succession in Degraded Lowland of South China
Authors: Duan Wen‐Jun , Ren Hai , Fu Sheng‐Lei , Guo Qin‐Feng , Wang Jun 
Published: February 2008

Abstract Continuous and prolonged human disturbances have caused severe degradation of a large portion of lowland in South China, and how to restore such degraded ecosystems becomes an increasing concern. The process and mechanisms of spontaneous succession, which plays an important role in vegetation restoration, have not been adequately examined. To identify the pathways of early spontaneous vegetation succession, 41 plots representing plant communities abandoned over different times were established and investigated. The communities and indicator species of the vegetation were classified by analyzing the important values of plant species using multivariate analyses. The results indicated that the plant species could be classified into nine plant communities representing six succession stages. The pathway and species composition also changed in the process of succession. We also measured 13 environmental variables of microtopography, soil structure and soil nutrition in each plot to examine the driving forces of succession and the vegetation‐environment relationships. Our results showed that the environmental variables changed in diverse directions, and that soil bulk density, soil water capacity and soil acidity were the most important factors.
Relationships between Phosphatidylglycerol Molecular Species of Thylakoid Membrane Lipids and Sensitivities to Chilling‐induced Photoinhibition in Rice
Authors: Zhu Su‐Qin , Zhao Hua , Liang Jian‐Sheng , Ji Ben‐Hua , Jiao De‐Mao 
Published: February 2008

Abstract In an attempt to explore the relationships between phosphatidylglycerol (PG) molecular species of thylakoid membrane lipids and sensitivities to chilling‐induced photoinhibition, PG molecular species, D1 protein, electron transport activities of thylakoid membrane and the potential quantum yield (Fv/Fm) in rice treated under middle and low photon flux density (PFD) at 11°C were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography, enzyme hydrolysis, gas phase chromatography (GC) and so on. Results showed that the major molecular species of PGs in rice thylakoid membrane were 18:3/16:0, 18:3/16:1(3t), 18:2/16:0, 18:2/16:1(3t), 18:1/16:0, 18:1/16:1(3t), 16:0/16:0, 16:0/16:1(3t). There were large differences in the contents of unsaturated PG molecular species such as 18:1∼3/16:0∼16:1(3t) and saturated PG molecular species like 16:0/16:0∼16:1(3t) among japonica cv 9516 (j‐9516), japonica‐indica hybrid F1 j‐9516/i‐SY63 (ji‐95SY) and indica cv Shanyou 63 (i‐SY63). J‐9516 containing higher contents of unsaturated PG molecular species was manifest in stable D1 protein contents under chill and tolerant to chill‐induced photoinhibition. In contrast to j‐9516, i‐SY63 with lower contents of unsaturated PG molecular species, exhibited unstable D1 protein contents under chill and was sensitive to chill‐induced photoinhibition. ji‐95SY containing middle contents of unsaturated PG molecular species between those of j‐9516 and i‐SY63, exhibited mid extent of sensitivity to chill‐induced photoinhibition. The losses in D1 protein also account for the inhibition in electron transport activity of thylakoid membrane and the observed decline in Fv/Fm. The PG molecular species that is efficient in raising chilling‐resistant capacity were those containing unsaturated fatty acids, namely, unsaturated PG molecular species. These results implied that the substrate selectivity of the glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase in chloroplasts towards 16:0 or 18:1 displayed greatly the difference between japonica and indica rice.
It was possible to enhance the capacity of resistance to chilling‐induced photoinhibition by improving or modifying the GPAT gene.