bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Directional changes in sexual size dimorphism in shorebirds, gulls and alcids
Authors: Lindenfors P. , Székely T. , Reynolds J. D. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The Charadrii (shorebirds, gulls and alcids) are one of the most diverse avian groups from the point of view of sexual size dimorphism, exhibiting extremes in both male-biased and female-biased dimorphism, as well as monomorphism. In this study we use phylogenetic comparative analyses to investigate how size dimorphism has changed over evolutionary time, distinguishing between changes that have occurred in females and in males. Independent contrasts analyses show that both body mass and wing length have been more variable in males than in females. Directional analyses show that male-biased dimorphism has increased after inferred transitions towards more polygynous mating systems. There have been analogous increases in female-biased dimorphism after transitions towards more socially polyandrous mating systems. Changes in dimorphism in both directions are attributable to male body size changing more than female body size. We suggest that this might be because females are under stronger natural selection constraints related to fecundity. Taken together, our results suggest that the observed variation in dimorphism of Charadrii can be best explained by male body size responding more sensitively to variable sexual selection than female body size.
Evidence for male-biased effective sex ratio and recent step-by-step colonization in the bivalvePinctada mazatlanica
Authors: Arnaud-Haond S. , Monteforte M. , Blanc F. , Bonhomme F. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis paper presents a comparison of the geographical distribution of genetic variability at mitochondrial and nuclear loci among pearl oyster populations from the tropical American Pacific coast (Pinctada mazatlanica). Surprisingly, both mitochondrial and nuclear gene variability decreased regularly from north to south of the studied area, which, altogether with a significant correlation between genetic and geographical distances for mtDNA, suggests a recent colonization or re-colonization of the southern areas. However, the loss of diversity between north and south was much more important for mitochondrial than for nuclear DNA, and this did not translate into measurable fixation index at nuclear loci ( = 0.03, n.s.), contrary to the mitochondrial data ( = 0.18*). Smaller effective size of mtDNA accentuated by a strong male-biased effective sex ratio and step-by-step colonization from northern areas can explain this discrepancy among natural populations of this protandric species.
The life history legacy of evolutionary body size change in carnivores
Authors: Webster A. J. , Gittleman J. L. , Purvis A. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
We estimate the body sizes of direct ancestors of extant carnivores, and examine selected aspects of life history as a function not only of species’ current size, but also of recent changes in size. Carnivore species that have undergone marked recent evolutionary size change show life history characteristics typically associated with species closer to the ancestral body size. Thus, phyletic giants tend to mature earlier and have larger litters of smaller offspring at shorter intervals than do species of the same body size that are not phyletic giants. Phyletic dwarfs, by contrast, have slower life histories than nondwarf species of the same body size. We discuss two possible mechanisms for the legacy of recent size change: lag (in which life history variables cannot evolve as quickly as body size, leading to species having the ‘wrong’ life history for their body size) and body size optimization (in which life history and hence body size evolve in response to changes in energy availability); at present, we cannot distinguish between these alternatives. Our finding that recent body size changes help explain residual variation around life history allometries shows that a more dynamic view of character change enables comparative studies to make more precise predictions about species traits in the context of their evolutionary background.
Experimental life-history evolution: selection on growth form and its plasticity in a clonal plant
Authors: Fischer M. , Kleunen M. van , Schmid B. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The growth form along the continuum from compact phalanx plants to more loosely packed guerilla plants is an important life-history trait in clonal plants. Prerequisite for its evolution is heritable genetic variation. Starting with 102 genotypes of the stoloniferous herb Ranunculus reptans, we performed one selection experiment on spatial spread per rosette as measure of guerillaness (broad-sense heritability 0.198) and another on plasticity in this trait in response to competition (broad-sense heritability 0.067). After two generations, spatial spread was 36.9% higher in the high line than in the low line (realized heritability ± SE 0.149 ± 0.039). Moreover, compared with the low line genotypes of the high line had fewer rosettes, a lower proportion of flowering rosettes, a higher proportion of rooted rosettes, more branches per rosette, longer internodes and longer leaves. In the second experiment, we found no significant direct response to selection for high and low plasticity in spatial spread (realized heritability ± SE −0.029 ± 0.063), despite a significant correlated response in plasticity in the length of the first three stolon internodes. Our study indicates a high potential for further evolution of the clonal growth form in R. reptans, but not for its plasticity, and it demonstrates that the clonal growth form does not evolve independently of other clonal life-history characteristics.
Interaction Between Epidurally Administered Ketamine and Pethidine in Dogs
Authors: Amarpal  , Aithal H. P. , Kinjavdekar P. , Singh G. R. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe present study was designed to test the hypothesis that a synergistic interaction could be recorded after epidural administration of ketamine‐an N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) antagonist and pethidine – an opioid agonist. Twelve adult mongrel dogs of either sex were randomly divided in three groups A, B and C of four animals each. Ketamine (5%) at 2.5 mg/kg and pethidine (3%) 2 mg/kg were injected at lumbosacral epidural space in animals of groups A and B, respectively. In animals of group C ketamine (2.5 mg/kg) and pethidine (2 mg/kg) were injected. Heart rate increased significantly up to 15 min in group A, whereas in groups B and C, the increase was non‐significant for a period of 10 and 45 min, respectively. Respiration increased gradually up to 45–60 min in group A and for 15–20 min in group B. However, in animals of group C respiration fell below the baseline during the first 10–15 min and then returned near the baseline. Rectal temperature decreased only marginally in all the groups. Ketamine alone produced complete analgesia at tail and perineal region for a period of 5–10 min and then moderate analgesia for the next 20–30 min. Analgesia at the flank was moderate to complete between 5 and 15 min. In group B complete analgesia was only moderate at the tail and perineal region up to 30 min. In animals of group C, complete analgesia was observed only at perineal region for a very short period (5 min). Analgesia was not associated with sedation in any of the groups but animals of groups A and C showed signs of motor incoordination. Results of the study suggest rather antagonistic than synergistic interaction between epidurally administered ketamine and pethidine. Further studies are needed to confirm the antagonistic interaction between the two drugs.
Traceability of Inbred and Crossbred Cinta Senese Pigs by Evaluating the Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ballerini A. , Civitareale C. , Fiori M. , Regini M. , Betti M. , Brambilla G. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryPrevious studies on the oxidative stress in swine indicated a strong link between the values of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), the subsequent antioxidant adaptive response (OXY) and the genetic selection. Such findings, mainly related to a cardiovascular inadequacy in lean, large muscle blocks and fast growing breeds, is associated with specific metabolic diseases such as porcine stress syndrome and mulberry heart disease. In this study, we investigated the oxidative stress parameters to trace the genetics of Cinta Senese (CS) pigs, a historical breed free‐range reared in Siena countryside. Sera from CS (n = 24) and Large White × CS (LW × CS) (n = 24) groups around 120 kg body weight fed the same diet were sampled at slaughter. Sera from wild boars (WB) (n = 24) hunted in the same district were also considered. ROMs and OXY were evaluated in the three groups of swine. Significant differences by one‐way anova (P < 0.05) between groups were found for both procedures. ROM levels were lower in WB (9.79 ± 5.76 mm H2O2) and CS (18.02 ± 7.42 mm H2O2), and highest in LW × CS (42.78 ± 8.61 mm H2O2). OXY values ranged from 271.37 ± 50.90 μm neutralized HOCl (WB) to 343.21 ± 57.45 μm neutralized HOCl (LW × CS). Results indicated that the evaluation of the oxidative stress can effectively trace the CS pigs, thus aiding in preserving the overall specific traits of such a historical animal.
Near‐infrared Spectroscopy Evaluated as a Technique for Estimating Udder Haemodynamics in the Lactating Cow
Authors: Oya S. , Inoue H. , Nakade T. , Ogata A. , Tamura M. , Kato S. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryNear‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) that requires few compact instruments is a non‐invasive and continuous method of monitoring haemodynamics in living organs. To assess the feasibility of using NIRS in evaluating the udder haemodynamics in six dairy cows, a probe component consisting of a light‐emitting diode and a phototransistor was attached to the left side of the udder surface. Real‐time variation of tissue haemodynamics was analysed and the data were transferred to the computer by way of a radiotelemetry system. On induction of temporary congestion by applying pressure with the hand pressed firmly against the left milk vein for 20 s, concentration of oxyhaemoglobin decreased throughout the 20‐s duration of congestion, and concentration of deoxyhaemoglobin increased. A surge in blood volume was also observed from the beginning of congestion, then the volume attenuated to baseline. The data demonstrated that the reading seen on the monitor reflects the real‐time status of the mammary gland. NIRS shows promise as a useful approach to physiological studies.
Influence of Shearing on the Circadian Rhythm of Body Temperature in the Sheep
Authors: Piccione G. , Caola G. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe presence of functional rhythmic variations is a well‐demonstrated phenomenon at all levels of physiological organization and especially in the functioning of the cell components, of tissues and of organic systems. In domestic animals, the body temperature presents spontaneous and regular periodic oscillations over different periods of time, which are the result of complex mechanisms that witness the existence of endogenous and exogenous factors. Taking this knowledge as a starting‐point, the authors studied 12 Comisana breed ewes to observe the influence of shearing on the circadian periodicity of rectal and skin temperature. The obtained results show the transient loss of body temperature rhythm by shearing, with an exogenous component, the shearing itself, and an endogenous component, the modifications of metabolic levels induced by the removal of the fleece, the external insulating layer.
Polioencephalomalacia in Captive Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina)
Authors: Wohlsein P. , Peters M. , Geburek F. , Seeliger F. , Böer M. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIn a colony of 11 harbour seals (Phoca vitulina Linné 1758) two episodes of central nervous disorders occurred within 2 years causing fatalities in seven adult animals. Clinical signs comprised dyspnoea, anorexia, apathy, incoordination and lateral recumbency. Vitamin B complex therapy was successful once. Pathomorphological examination of seven carcasses revealed acute and subacute malacia of the cerebellar grey matter. Additional acute malacic lesions located in the cerebral cortices and basal ganglia were observed. Mesencephalic nuclei were less severely affected and displayed acute changes. Despite intense search for environmental toxins and infectious agents, the cause of the fatalities remained undetermined. However, the type and pattern of the lesions are most suggestive of a thiamine deficiency.
Efficacy of flutrimazole 1% powder in the treatment of tinea pedis
Authors: Pereda J. , Noguera X. , Boncompte E. , Algueró M. , Izquierdo I. ,   The Flutrimazole Study Group
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of flutrimazole 1% powder vs. bifonazole 1% powder in treating tinea pedis. A multicentre, double blind, randomized, parallel and comparative study was conducted. Two hundred and twenty‐two patients with clinically and mycologically confirmed tinea pedis were randomized to flutrimazole (n = 136) or bifonazole (n = 138) 1% powder applied twice daily for 4 weeks. The corresponding clinical cure rates were assessed at 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, and the global (clinical and mycological) cure rates were determined at the fourth week. Clinical cure rates were 83.5 and 82.4% for flutrimazole and bifonazole, respectively (95% CI: −0.0806 to 0.1009). Global cure rates were observed in 65.3 and 70.1% of patients treated with flutrimazole and bifonazole, respectively (95% CI: −0.0828 to 0.1779). Three non serious adverse events at the application site ‐ itching (one patient per group) and dishydrotic eczema (one patient treated with flutrimazole) – were recorded during the study. These results support that flutrimazol 1% powder applied twice daily for a duration of 4 weeks is highly effective in the treatment of tinea pedis, showing a similar therapeutic profile with that of bifonazole 1% powder.
A case of pulmonary aspergilloma molecular biological identification and typing of the isolates from antemortem sputa and autopsy fungus ball
Authors: Sugita C. , Makimura K. , Murakami A. , Murai Y. , Yamaguchi H. , Nagai A. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryFilamentous fungi were isolated from antemortem sputum and an autopsy fungus ball of the lung in a case of aspergilloma. Both of the isolates were analyzed for the sequences of species or strain‐specific nuclear ribosomal DNA (partial 28S and ITS1 regions), and were identifed as Aspergillus fumigatus. The molecular biological technique saved time and is thought to be a powerful tool in the accurate diagnosis of pulmonary fungal infection to assure effective treatment.
Protothecosis successfully treated with amikacin combined with tetracyclines
Authors: Zhao J. , Liu W. , Lv G. , Shen Y. , Wu S. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWe report a case of protothecosis in an 18‐year‐old female student caused by Prototheca zopfii successfully treated with amikacin combined with tetracyclines.
Chronic hepatitis C associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: HAMAZAKI KEI , BABA MASARU , HASEGAWA HIROSHI , KAI MOTOKAZU , ARAKI MIHO , WATANABE NORIKO , TUNEYA YASUO , KUMAZAWA MASATUGU , ADACHI YUKIHIKO 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: Two patients were admitted to Mie Prefectural General Medical Center and diagnosed as chronic hepatitis C complicated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).Methods: The MGUS class were immunoglobulin (Ig)G. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA genotype was Ib. Based on these findings, they were diagnosed as chronic hepatitis C complicated with MGUS.Results: Histological studies showed chronic hepatitis in the liver and a mild rise in plasma cells without dysplasia and abnormalities in the bone marrow. Serum examination for cryoglobulin was negative.Conclusion: Chronic HCV infection might play a pathogenic role in the multistage process leading to lymphoproliferative disorders.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Can a non‐invasive strategy for managing young dyspeptics be safely implemented in Asia?
Authors: MAHADEVA SANJIV , GOH KHEAN‐LEE 
Published: December 2004

AbstractDyspepsia is a common problem in the Asia–Pacific region, with a prevalence rate ranging from 10–20%. It constitutes 2–5% of consultations with primary‐care physicians and forms a major part of the gastroenterologists’ workload. Although upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) is the investigation of choice, no serious disease is present in the majority of patients and various other ways have been suggested, mainly in the West, to reduce the demand on the finite resources of UGIE services. The alternative methods to UGIE have been based on non‐invasive detection of Helicobacter pylori in patients with dyspepsia, as the organism has been shown to be associated with most peptic ulcers and even gastric cancer. A positive H. pylori test in a patient with dyspepsia may not necessarily indicate serious disease, but H. pylori eradication eliminates the propensity for developing peptic ulcers and perhaps even cancer (not proven). In high‐risk populations, non‐invasive screening for H. pylori can even be considered a ‘cancer test’, as it can help target investigations in a selected group of patients.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Barrett's esophagus: Macroscopic markers and the prediction of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma
Authors: HILLMAN LYBUS C , CHIRAGAKIS LOUISE , CLARKE ANTHONY C , KAUSHIK SUNIL P , KAYE GRAHAM L 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aims: Surveillance endoscopy has been advocated for patients with Barrett's esophagus but the cost‐effectiveness of this has been questioned. The aim of this study is to identify an optimum surveillance protocol by examining if macroscopic markers at diagnosis predict the development of dysplasia.Methods: The sample was 353 patients with Barrett's esophagus undergoing surveillance by a community‐based group of gastroenterologists between 1981 and 2001. At diagnosis the presence of macroscopic and microscopic markers was noted. The presence and pattern of dysplasia and development of adenocarcinoma was documented during subsequent surveillance.Results: Three hundred and fifty‐three patients (71% male) underwent regular surveillance over 19 056 patient‐months (median 42 months), having a median number of three surveillance endoscopies (range 1–40). Nine patients (seven male) developed adenocarcinoma (1/176 patient years) and four male patients developed high‐grade dysplasia (1/397 patient years). Twelve of these 13 patients entered with one or more macroscopic markers: severe esophagitis, nodularity, Barrett's ulcer or stricture. Dysplasia risk was associated with macroscopic markers. Patients who entered with one marker were 6.7 times more likely to develop high‐grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma (HR = 6.7, 95% CI = 1.3, 35). Patients who entered with two or more markers were 14 times more likely to develop high‐grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma (HR = 14.1, 95% CI = 2.02, 102).Conclusions: The presence of severe esophagitis, Barrett's ulcer, nodularity or stricture at entry indicates a high‐risk group for Barrett's esophagus. Cost‐effectiveness of surveillance for these patients and those with dysplasia at entry would thus improve.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Steatosis in chronic hepatitis C: Association with increased messenger RNA expression of collagen I, tumor necrosis factor‐α and cytochrome P450 2E1
Authors: GOCHEE PETER A , JONSSON JULIE R , CLOUSTON ANDREW D , PANDEYA NIRMALA , PURDIE DAVID M , POWELL ELIZABETH E 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: Increased levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and oxidative stress have been implicated as factors contributing to hepatic injury in fatty liver diseases. As steatosis is associated with an accelerated progression of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (HCV), we hypothesized that the messenger (m)RNA expression of genes involved with the production of reactive oxygen species, inflammation and cellular injury would be increased in liver tissue from subjects with steatosis and chronic HCV.Methods: Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine relative mRNA expression levels of collagen I, TNF‐α, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP 2E1), transforming growth factor‐β1 and CD14 in liver biopsies from 38 patients with chronic HCV. The mRNA expression levels were compared between subjects with and without steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammation.Results: Multivariate analysis demonstrated that collagen I mRNA expression was increased by 199% in steatosis (P = 0.02), 85% in moderate to severe fibrosis (P = 0.02) and 157% in inflammation (P = 0.03). Livers of patients with steatosis also had an increase in TNF‐α mRNA expression by 50% (P = 0.03) and CYP 2E1 expression by 37% (P = 0.04) compared with non‐steatotic livers. Tumor necrosis factor‐α protein was localized to Kupffer cells, bile ducts and portal inflammatory cells by immunohistochemistry.Conclusion: Increased expression of TNF‐α may be involved in the pathogenesis of liver injury and progression of fibrosis in individuals who have steatosis in association with chronic HCV.© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
In vivo inefficiency of pentoxifylline and interferon‐alpha on hepatic fibrosis in biliary‐obstructed rats: Assessment by tissue collagen content and prolidase activity
Authors: TARÇIN ORHAN , AVŞAR KADİR , DEMİrtüRK LEVENT , GÜLTEPE MUSTAFA , OKTAR BERNA K , ÖZDOğAN OSMAN C , TARÇIN ÖZLEM , BALOğLU HÜSEYİN , GÜRBüZ AHMET K 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim: To evaluate the possible antifibrotic effects of two drugs, pentoxifylline (PTX) and interferon (IFN)‐α as well as their combination, on a bile‐duct‐ligated rat hepatic fibrosis model.Methods: Bile ducts of 34 female Wistar rats were ligated, and 24 bile ducts were sham operated. Bile‐duct‐ligated rats were divided into four groups, in which either sterile saline, IFN‐α (100 000 IU/3 days a week), PTX (50 mg/kg/day) or IFN‐α + PTX were administered. Sham‐operated rats were treated at the same doses. On the 28th day, rats were decapitated to obtain blood for the measurements of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and bilirubins. Serum prolidase was assayed at the beginning and at the end of the study by the modified Chinard's colorimetric method. Liver prolidase was assayed after tissue homogenization. Liver collagen content was determined by the dye elution method described by Lopez de Leon. Morphometric‐densitometric measurements of hepatic fibrosis were quantified by computerized image analysis.Results: The AST, ALT, ALP, GGT and bilirubins, liver prolidase enzyme activity, collagen content and hepatic collagen surface density were found to be increased in bile‐duct‐ligated rats on day 28. There was no statistically significant recovery or even a change in collagen turnover rate in rats treated with alternate regimens applied in the study (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Pentoxifylline, IFN‐α and their combination have no beneficial effect on experimental fibrosis induced by biliary obstruction.©  2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd