bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selection on a eumelanic ornament is stronger in the tropics than in temperate zones in the worldwide‐distributed barn owl
Authors: ROULIN A. , WINK M. , SALAMIN N. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSpatial variation in the pattern of natural selection can promote local adaptation and genetic differentiation between populations. Because heritable melanin‐based ornaments can signal resistance to environmentally mediated elevation in glucocorticoids, to oxidative stress and parasites, populations may vary in the mean degree of melanic coloration if selection on these phenotypic aspects varies geographically. Within a population of Swiss barn owls (Tyto alba), the size of eumelanic spots is positively associated with survival, immunity and resistance to stress, but it is yet unknown whetherTytospecies that face stressful environments evolved towards a darker eumelanic plumage. Because selection regimes vary along environmental gradients, we examined whether melanin‐based traits vary clinally and are expressed to a larger extent in the tropics where parasites are more abundant than in temperate zones. To this end, we considered 39 barn owl species distributed worldwide. Barn owl species living in the tropics displayed larger eumelanic spots than those found in temperate zones. This was, however, verified in the northern hemisphere only. Parasites being particularly abundant in the tropics, they may promote the evolution of darker eumelanic ornaments.
Effect of Haemostatic Control Resuscitation on mortality in massively bleeding patients: a before and after study
Authors: Johansson P. I. , Stensballe J. 
Published: November 2008

Background and Objectives  Evidence supporting the use of platelets and plasma in resuscitation of massive bleedings is questionable. Current consensus guidelines recommend restrictive use. Our aim was to determine the effect of changing the transfusion practice on 30‐day survival in massively bleeding patients.Materials and Methods  Consecutive adult patients receiving more than 10 units of red blood cells (RBC) within 24 h 2 years prior to (2002–2003) and 2 years after (2005–2006) a change in transfusion practice were included. In 2004, we implemented Haemostatic Control Resuscitation (HCR) with preemptive use of platelets and plasma, administered in transfusion packages, comprising 5 units of RBCs, 5 units of fresh‐frozen plasma and 2 units of platelet concentrates (PC), when massive bleeding occurred or upon arrival at the emergency room and thereafter directed by thrombelastography throughout the peri‐ and postoperative period.Results  In 2005–2006, the 442 patients received more PCs within 24 h from admission [mean 5·0 (SD 4·2) vs. 1·7 (2·0); P < 0·0001] and had a smaller decrease in platelet count during the bleeding episode [91·5 (81·2) vs. 119·7 (100·8) × 109/l; P = 0·0025] than the 390 patients treated in 2002–2003. Thirty‐day mortality was reduced in 2005–2006 (20·4% vs. 31·5%; P = 0·0002) and at 90‐day (22·4% vs. 34·6%; P < 0·0001) as compared to 2002–2003.Conclusions  In patients who experience massive bleeding, HCR with platelets and plasma, as guided by thrombelastography, is associated with improved survival. While confirmation from a randomized controlled trial is urgently needed, HCR may be considered in these patients.
Parasitism of Bactrocera oleae (Diptera; Tephritidae) by Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera; Braconidae) in the Balearic Islands (Spain)
Authors: Miranda M. A. , Miquel M. , Terrassa J. , Melis N. , Monerris M. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera; Braconidae) was introduced to Spain in the early 1970s to control the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae. Previous studies showed that P. concolor was poorly adapted to temperate zones, such as the Balearics. In this study, we demonstrate a high rate of natural parasitism of B. oleae by P. concolor in Majorca (Balearic Islands). Surveys were carried out from August to September 2007 in two organically‐farmed olive orchards and two insecticide‐managed orchards. A total of 250 olive fruits were examined weekly from each of the orchards. Olives were kept under laboratory conditions until the emergence of B. oleae pupae, which were collected and placed in Petri dishes until the emergence of B. oleae and/or P. concolor adults. In addition, red sticky spheres and yellow sticky panel traps were placed in every orchard for monitoring adults of P. concolor. Red spheres captured more individuals of the parasitoid when compared with the yellow panels. Seasonal average parasitism levels of B. oleae pupae by P. concolor were high (22.4% and 23.4%) in the two organically‐farmed orchards and 0% in the insecticide treated orchards. The high rates of parasitism by P. concolor found in the organically‐farmed olive orchards supports the use of this parasitoid for the biological control of B. oleae in the Balearic Islands.
Calving Interval in Dairy Cows in Relation to Heifer Rearing Conditions in Southwest Sweden
Authors: Hultgren J , Svensson C 
Published: November 2008

ContentsSustained reproductive performance throughout the life of domestic animals can be suspected to require successful rearing of replacements. We studied associations between replacement heifer rearing conditions and reproductive performance throughout the productive life of dairy cows in southwest Sweden by linear mixed modelling. Data consisted of 3542 lactations in 1550 Swedish Reds, Swedish Holsteins or dairy cows of other or mixed breeds, representing all female animals born during 1998 in 107 herds. Median calving interval (CI) was 381, 380 and 377 days in parities 1, 2 and ≥3, respectively. Median observed productive lifetime was 27 months. The applied model included effects of cow housing system, breed, parity, respiratory disease before 3 months of age, whether oestrous detection was performed only at feeding, oestrous‐detection ability, calving year, post‐calving reproductive disease in a given lactation, milk yield 30 days post‐calving relative to the herd mean, the interaction of breed by calfhood respiratory disease and random effects of cow and herd. Severe respiratory disease before 3 months of age in Swedish Red cows was associated with an increase in CI by 12%. Of the total variation in CI, 9.5% was due to herd factors and 12% to cow factors, as opposed to variation between lactations.
Establishment of an ELISA for Measuring Bovine Pregnancy‐Associated Glycoprotein in Serum or Milk and Its Application for Early Pregnancy Detection
Authors: Friedrich M , Holtz W 
Published: November 2008

ContentsIt has been shown in several mammalian species that during pregnancy, trophoblast cells express a range of pregnancy‐associated glycoproteins (PAG). The presence of PAG in the maternal serum of cows may serve as an indicator of pregnancy from day 28 after AI onward. The present study addresses (1) conversion of an existing PAG‐RIA to a competitive double antibody ELISA using a polyclonal anti‐bPAG‐IgG and an anti‐rabbit‐IgG raised in sheep for coating and (2) application of newly established ELISA to test its suitability for pregnancy detection by measuring PAG in serum or milk. The intraassay coefficients of variation (CV) for the PAG‐ELISA were 2–14% for serum and 10–12% for milk; the corresponding interassay CVs were 8–22% and 12–22%, respectively. Pregnancy‐associated glycoprotein profiles established in milk and serum of 12 pregnant cows showed a characteristic pattern with measurable amounts from approximately day 20 onwards in serum and from day 60 onwards in milk. In a field trial, serum PAG was determined in 397 cows sampled between 20 and 50 days after insemination. The outcome was that, pregnancy could reliably be diagnosed from day 28 onwards in serum and from day 150 onwards in milk. In conclusion, it may be stated that the established ELISA provides an efficient and reliable means of pregnancy diagnosis that will, in our judgement, gain in popularity with cattle breeding. The ELISA proved to be an adequate and efficient way of measuring PAG in maternal serum or milk and will be a useful means of pregnancy detection in cows.
Uterine Leiomyoma in a Spayed Poodle Bitch: A Case Report
Authors: Sontas BH , Özyogurtcu H , Turna Ö , Arun S , Ekici H 
Published: November 2008

ContentsA 16‐year‐old, spayed, female poodle dog was presented for evaluation of tenesmus, with the ability to attract male dogs and a willingness to mate. The dog had undergone an ovariohysterectomy when it was 7 years old. Haematological and serum biochemistry analyses demonstrated leucocytosis and a mild uraemia. A vaginal smear was predominantly made up of superficial cells, accounting for at least 80% of the cells. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous multicystic mass at the caudal abdomen and two masses with anechoic areas adjacent to the caudal pole of each kidney. A midline exploratory laparotomy identified a uterine mass and residual ovaries that were surgically excised. Histopathological examination of the mass demonstrated that it was a leiomyoma. The left ovary had a cystic structure and the right ovary had a papillary cystic adenoma. Seven months after the surgery, the owner reported that the dog was clinically normal. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a uterine leiomyoma after an incomplete ovariohysterectomy in the dog.
Viability and Growth of Buffalo Preantral Follicles and their Corresponding Oocytes In Vitro: Effect of Growth Factors and β Mercaptoethanol
Authors: Gupta PSP , Nandi S 
Published: November 2008

ContentsThe present study was undertaken to isolate buffalo preantral follicles (PFs), to test the viability and sizes of buffalo PFs and to examine the effect of various growth factors (insulin‐like growth factor, fibroblast growth factor) and an antioxidant (β mercaptoethanol) on the in vitro growth, survival and antrum formation rates of buffalo PFs and growth rates of oocytes in cultured PFs. Preantral follicles from slaughtered buffalo ovaries were recovered by a combined mechanical and enzymatic method. The recovery rates of >40–100, 101–200, 201–300, 301–400 and 401–500 μm PFs were 5.1, 3.2, 3.1, 6.3 and 5.1 per ovary, respectively. The corresponding viability rates were 76.1%, 78.1%, 85.2%, 92.5% and 92.6%, respectively. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.73) between oocyte size and the follicular size. However, there was no significant correlation between the size of oocyte and its viability at the time of its retrieval from ovary. Insulin‐like growth factor and fibroblast growth factor improved the survival of buffalo PFs and regulated their growth in culture. The growth factors and β mercaptoethanol in association synergically improved the growth and survival of buffalo PFs.
The lived experience of occupational adaptation following acquired brain injury for people living in a rural area
Authors: Parsons Lia , Stanley Mandy 
Published: November 2008

Aim: This phenomenological study aimed to explore the experience of occupational adaptation from the perspective of persons with acquired brain injury living in a rural area.Method: Two male participants aged 30 and 45 years were interviewed using a semistructured interview format. Colaizzi's approach was used for analysis.Results: Data analysis revealed three main themes: ‘Things are different now’, ‘Acceptance’ and ‘Just another chapter’.Conclusions: After initially coming to terms with having a brain injury and accepting the new person the self had become, adaptation through engaging in occupation was experienced by the participants. An understanding of strategies that participants used in the adaptation process is of use to occupational therapists in order to design meaningful occupational interventions.
Structure and age of lower structural unit of Taukha terrane of Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous accretionary prism, southern Sikhote–Alin
Authors: Kemkin Igor V. , Taketani Yojiro 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSpecific data is presented on structure and age of the sedimentary formations within the lower structural unit (Erdagou Formation) in the Taukha terrane, southern Sikhote–Alin, Russia. According to lithological research of this unit exposed in the Benevka River area, the Erdagou Formation represents a deformed fragment of so‐called Oceanic Plate Stratigraphy sequence. The Erdagou Formation includes all lithological varieties of rocks from pelagic (cherts and clayey cherts) and hemipelagic (siliceous mudstones) up to oceanic‐margin (mudstones, siltstones, and turbidites) deposits. Based on the results of radiolarian biostratigraphic research of the rocks, the age of the cherts is from middle Oxfordian to the beginning of Berriasian. Transitive layers between cherts and terrigenous rocks (turbidites), namely siliceous mudstones, are early Berriasian in age. The lower part of the terrigenous section is characterized by late Berriasian–late Valanginian radiolarians. Taking these data into account, it is plausible that the accretion of the given part of the paleo‐oceanic plate occurred post‐Valanginian.
Buruanga peninsula and Antique Range: Two contrasting terranes in Northwest Panay, Philippines featuring an arc–continent collision zone
Authors: Zamoras Lawrence R. , Montes Mary Grace A. , Queaño Karlo L. , Marquez Edanjarlo J. , Dimalanta Carla B. , Gabo Jillian Aira S. , Yumul Graciano P. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAlternating chert–clastic sequences juxtaposed with limestone blocks, which are units typical of accretionary complexes, constitute the Buruanga peninsula. New lithostratigraphic units are proposed in this study: the Unidos Formation (Jurassic chert sequence), the Saboncogon Formation (Jurassic siliceous mudstone–terrigenous mudstone and quartz‐rich sandstone), the Gibon Formation (Jurassic(?) bedded pelagic limestone), the Libertad Metamorphics (Jurassic–Cretaceous slate, phyllite, and schist) and the Buruanga Formation (Pliocene–Pleistocene reefal limestone). The first three sedimentary sequences in the Buruanga peninsula show close affinity with the ocean plate stratigraphy of the North Palawan terrane in Busuanga Island: Lower–Middle Jurassic chert sequences overlain by Middle–Upper Jurassic clastics, juxtaposed with pelagic limestone. Moreover, the JR5–JR6 (Callovian to Oxfordian) siliceous mudstone of the Saboncogon Formation in the Buruanga peninsula correlates with the JR5–JR6 siliceous mudstone of the Guinlo Formation in the Middle Busuanga Belt. These findings suggest that the Buruanga peninsula may be part of the North Palawan terrane. The rocks of the Buruanga peninsula completely differ from the Middle Miocene basaltic to andesitic pyroclastic and lava flow deposits with reefal limestone and arkosic sandstone of the Antique Range. Thus, the previously suggested boundary between the Palawan microcontinental block and the Philippine Mobile Belt in the central Philippines, which is the suture zone between the Buruanga peninsula and the Antique Range, is confirmed. This boundary is similarly considered as the collision zone between them.
Tissue Fixation System (TFS) to repair uterovaginal prolapse with uterine preservation: A preliminary report on perioperative complications and safety
Authors: Inoue Hiromi , Sekiguchi Yuki , Kohata Yutaka , Satono Yuka , Hishikawa Kenji , Tominaga Toyoko , Oobayashi Mika 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectives:  To assess the effectiveness, perioperative safety and invasiveness of the Tissue Fixation System (TFS) sling operation when used for repair of uterovaginal prolapse with uterine preservation.Methods:  Operations using the TFS anchor system were performed on 25 women aged between 44 and 84 years (average 65) for grade 3 or 4 uterine prolapse with or without urinary incontinence. Details of the procedures were as follows: midurethral sling (n = 2); posterior sling of the uterosacral ligaments (n = 25); U‐sling for lateral/central anterior vaginal wall defects (n = 24). The defect of the perineal body and rectovaginal fascia were repaired in all cases.Results:  All patients were followed up for a minimum of 3 months. The mean ± standard deviation of the operating time and loss of blood were 94.2 (±19.3) minutes and 98.1 (±129.6) mL, respectively. Twelve patients (48%) were discharged on the same day of surgery and 13 patients (52%) on the following day, with a return to normal activities within 1–7 days. There were no intra‐ or postoperative complications. At the 3‐month follow up, cure rates of symptoms due to pelvic laxity were: urinary frequency 85.7% (n = 14); nocturia 66.6% (n = 12); urgency 93.3% (n = 15); and dragging pain 100% (n = 6). There was one recurrent uterovaginal prolapse and one recurrent cystocele.Conclusion:  The TFS procedure delivers satisfactory results for uterine prolapse repair with uterine preservation. The procedure is useful because of the short duration of the operation, the short term of recovery, its safety profile and minimal invasiveness. There is a significant improvement in the quality of life, especially for older women. However, long‐term results are currently unknown.
Minimally invasive and hysteroscopic diagnosis and treatment of patients after organ transplantation
Authors: Kuzel David , Toth Dusan , Cindr Josef , Bartosova Lucie , Mara Michal , Viklicky Ondrej 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAim:  To assess the safety of minimally invasive and hysteroscopic diagnosis and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding and intrauterine abnormalities in patients after organ transplantation.Methods:  After kidney, pancreas, or liver transplantation, patients who presented with menorrhagia, submucosal myoma or thickened endometrium on ultrasound were diagnosed and treated using a hysteroscopic system Versascope, Bipolar Resectoscopic System and intrauterine system ThermaChoice.Results:  Twenty patients were included in this study and were aged 37–63 years (average ± standard deviation: 48.8 ± 5.86). The follow up was between 3 and 122 months (44.8 ± 31.91). All hysteroscopic procedures were performed under general anesthesia, using local anesthetics (paracervical block) or short‐term i.v. anesthesia, plus antibiotics. The procedures lasted 5 to 15 min (9.4 ± 2.44). Five patients presented with minimal blood loss (≤100 mL) and the rest had no blood loss. The hysteroscopic procedures had no adverse effects on the function of transplanted organs and there were no associated postoperative complications. Uterine bleeding was successfully regulated in all patients.Conclusion:  Minimally invasive procedures and hysteroscopy of organ‐transplanted patients provide a safe solution for the treatment of menorrhagia, submucosal myoma and thick endometrium in postmenopausal patients.
Differential defoliation of Eucalyptus grandis arises from indiscriminant oviposition and differential larval survival
Authors: Henery M. L. , Stone C. , Foley W. J. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract1 The influence of six open‐pollinated families (OPFs) of Eucalyptus grandis on both the growth and development of larvae and the oviposition preference of a paropsine chrysomelid (Paropsis atomaria) was investigated. The OPFs had previously been identified as differing in their susceptibility to defoliation by P. atomaria in forestry progeny trials.2 Oviposition preference for resistant and susceptible foliage was tested using binary choice tests. These tests did not demonstrate any significant preference for either resistant or susceptible open‐pollinated material indicating that adult host preference for susceptible trees was not a likely cause of differential defoliation.3 Quantification and analysis of growth and development parameters for all larval stages of P. atomaria showed that feeding on genetic material identified as resistant resulted in a significant reduction of relative growth rate of first instar larvae and an alteration to normal feeding behaviour. There was also a trend towards increased larval mortality on resistant E. grandis.4 We argue that although the magnitude of these effects was minor, interactions with additional biotic and abiotic sources of mortality in the field have the potential, when magnified over successive generations, to result in significant variation in defoliation of host genotypes in the field.
The first 1000 cases of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the UK: evidence of multiple ‘learning curves’
Authors: Eden Christopher G. , Neill Mischel G. , Louie‐Johnsun Mark W. 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVETo report the initial experience of one surgeon, with contemporary experience of both open radical prostatectomy (ORP) and reconstructive laparoscopy, in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) in 1000 patients, and to investigate the rate of change of various outcome variables for this procedure with time.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween March 2000 and December 2007, 1000 consecutive patients with clinical stage T ≤ 3aN0M0 prostate cancer underwent LRP, either supervised (17%) or performed (83%), by one surgeon. The median prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level was 7.0 (1–50) ng/mL and median Gleason sum 6 (4–10); the clinical stage was T1 in 46.9%, T2 in 49.8% and T3 in 3.3%.RESULTSThe median (range) operative duration was 177 (78–600) min. There was one conversion (patient 8) to open surgery. The median blood loss was 200 (10–1300) mL and four patients were transfused (0.4%). The median postoperative hospital stay was 3.0 (3–28) nights. The median catheterization time was 10.0 (0.8–120) days. There were 48 complications (4.8%) requiring surgical intervention in 33 (3.3%) patients, 58% of these as a day‐case admission. The positive margin rates according to d’Amico risk groups were: low, 9.1%; intermediate, 20.3%; and high, 36.8%. The overall positive margin rate was 13.3%. The PSA level was ≤0.1 mg/L at 3 months in 99.1% of patients. At a mean follow‐up of 27.7 (3–72) months, 96.1% of patients were free of biochemical recurrence. In patients with a follow‐up of ≥24 months potency rates peaked in the series at 86% for all men and 94% for men aged ≤65 years, and continence rates at 98% before declining thereafter in men with a shorter follow‐up.CONCLUSIONThe learning curve for operating time and blood loss was overcome within the first 100–150 cases, but complication and continence rates took 150–200 cases to reach a plateau. The longest learning curve was for potency, which did not stabilize until 700 cases. These learning curves are likely to be considerably shorter when surgeons are taught in departments with a high throughput of cases but both surgeons and patients should be aware of them. In view of these findings, the authors recommend that LRP should not be self‐taught and should be learned within an immersion teaching programme. Even then, a large surgical volume is likely to be needed to maintain clinical outcomes at the highest level.