bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing for microevolution in body size in three blue tit populations
Authors: Charmantier A. , Kruuk L. E. B. , Blondel J. , Lambrechts M. M. 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
Quantifying the genetic variation and selection acting on phenotypes is a prerequisite for understanding microevolutionary processes. Surprisingly, long-term comparisons across conspecific populations exposed to different environments are still lacking, hampering evolutionary studies of population differentiation in natural conditions. Here, we present analyses of additive genetic variation and selection using two body-size traits in three blue tit (Parus caeruleus) populations from distinct habitats. Chick tarsus length and body mass at fledging showed substantial levels of genetic variation in the three populations. Estimated heritabilities of body mass increased with habitat quality. The poorer habitats showed weak positive selection on tarsus length, and strong positive selection on body mass, but there was no significant selection on either trait in the good habitat. However, there was no evidence of any microevolutionary response to selection in any population during the study periods. Potential explanations for this absence of a response to selection are discussed, including the effects of spatial heterogeneity associated with gene flow between habitats.
Ecological diversification in a group of Indomalayan pitvipers (Trimeresurus): convergence in taxonomically important traits has implications for species identification
Authors: Sanders K. L. , Malhotra A. , Thorpe R. S. 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
We analyse molecular and phenotypic evolution in a group of taxonomically problematic Indomalayan pitvipers, the Trimeresurus sumatranus group. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing provides a well-resolved phylogeny, with each species representing a distinct lineage. Multivariate morphological analysis reveals a high level of phenotypic differentiation, which is congruent between the sexes but does not reflect phylogenetic history. An adaptive explanation for the observed pattern of differentiation is supported by independent contrasts analysis, which shows significant correlations between current ecology and the characters that most account for the variation between taxa, including those that are presently used to identify the species. Reduced precipitation and altitude, and increased temperature, are correlated with higher numbers of scales on the head, body and tail. It is hypothesized that scale number plays an important role in heat and water exchange by influencing the area of exposed of interstitial skin, and that colour pattern variation reflects selection pressures involving camouflage and thermoregulation. Ecological convergence in traits used for classification is found to have important implications for species identification where taxa are distributed over varying environments.
Evolutionary genetics of dorsal wing colour in Colias butterflies
Authors: Ellers J. , Boggs C. L. 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
The evolution of butterfly wing colouration is strongly affected by its multiple functions and by the correlated evolution of wing colour elements. Both factors may prevent local adaptation to ecological conditions. We investigated one aspect of wing colouration, the degree of dorsal wing melanization, in the butterfly Colias philodice eriphyle across an elevational gradient and its correlation with another aspect of wing colouration, ventral wing melanization. Dorsal wing melanization increased with elevation and these differences persisted in a common environment. Full-sibling analysis revealed high heritability for males but only intermediate heritability for females. The correlation between ventral and dorsal melanization showed significant elevational and sex-specific differences. In males the two traits were highly correlated, whereas in females the strength of the correlation decreased with increasing elevation. We conclude that uncoupling of ventral and dorsal melanization has evolved in females but not in males and discuss possible mechanisms underlying uncoupling.
Sex-ratio distorter of Drosophila simulans reduces male productivity and sperm competition ability
Authors: Atlan A. , Joly D. , Capillon C. , Montchamp-Moreau C. 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine whether the effects of sex-ratio segregation distorters on the fertility of male Drosophila simulans can explain the contrasting success of these X-linked meiotic drivers in different populations of the species. We compared the fertility of sex-ratio and wild-type males under different mating conditions. Both types were found to be equally fertile when mating was allowed, with two females per male, during the whole period of egg laying. By contrast sex-ratio males suffered a strong fertility disadvantage when they were offered multiple mates for a limited time, or in sperm competition conditions. In the latter case only, the toll on male fertility exceeded the segregation advantage of the distorters. These results indicate that sex-ratio distorters can either spread or disappear from populations, depending on the mating rate. Population density is therefore expected to play a major role in the evolution of sex-ratio distorters in this Drosophila species.
Constrained sex allocation in a parasitoid due to variation in male quality
Authors: Henter H. J. 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
The theory of constrained sex allocation posits that when a fraction of females in a haplodiploid population go unmated and thus produce only male offspring, mated females will evolve to lay a female-biased sex ratio. I examined evidence for constrained sex ratio evolution in the parasitic hymenopteran Uscana semifumipennis. Mated females in the laboratory produced more female-biased sex ratios than the sex ratio of adults hatching from field-collected eggs, consistent with constrained sex allocation theory. However, the male with whom a female mated affected her offspring sex ratio, even when sperm was successfully transferred, suggesting that constrained sex ratios can occur even in populations where all females succeed in mating. A positive relationship between sex ratio and fecundity indicates that females may become sperm-limited. Variation among males occurred even at low fecundity, however, suggesting that other factors may also be involved. Further, a quantitative genetic experiment found significant additive genetic variance in the population for the sex ratio of offspring produced by females. This has only rarely been demonstrated in a natural population of parasitoids, but is a necessary condition for sex ratio evolution. Finally, matings with larger males produced more female-biased offspring sex-ratios, suggesting positive selection on male size. Because the great majority of parasitic hymenoptera are monandrous, the finding of natural variation among males in their capacity to fertilize offspring, even after mating successfully, suggests that females may often be constrained in the sex allocation by inadequate number or quality of sperm transferred.
Clinical manifestations of sarcoid liver disease
Authors: BLICH MIRY , EDOUTE YEOUDA 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that involves many organs and has different clinical manifestation. We reviewed the clinical manifestations of sarcoid liver disease. Liver involvement in sarcoidosis can be serious and life‐threatening, independent of its lung and other organ involvement.
Clinical implications of quantification of mesorectal tumor invasion by endoscopic ultrasound: All T3 rectal cancers are not equal
Authors: HAREWOOD GAVIN C , KUMAR K SHIVA , CLAIN JONATHAN E , LEVY MICHAEL J , NELSON HEIDI 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackground: Depth of invasion beyond the muscularis propria (MP) by T3 rectal cancer can vary. The purpose of the present paper was to determine if depth of invasion beyond MP, as assessed by preoperative endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), can predict tumor recurrence in patients with T3 rectal tumors.Methods: Patients with T3NxM0 rectal cancer, as determined by EUS, who underwent surgical resection (without preoperative neoadjuvant therapy) were reviewed by two blinded endosonographers. Tumors were classified as minimally invasive T3 (invasion ≤ 2 mm beyond MP by EUS) and advanced T3 disease (invasion > 2 mm).Results: Forty‐two patients with T3 rectal tumors underwent surgical resection without receiving preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, of whom 14 had minimally invasive T3 and 28 had advanced T3 disease, as determined by preoperative EUS. Median follow up was 19 months. Tumor recurrence rates in minimally invasive and advanced T3 tumors were 14.3% and 39.3%, respectively,P = 0.02 (log–rank test). Adjusting for nodal status and postoperative adjuvant therapy administration, Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated advanced T3 disease (by EUS) to predict tumor recurrence, hazard ratio, 2.28 (95% confidence interval: 1.17–5.81),P = 0.01.Conclusions: All T3 rectal tumors are not equal, with minimally invasive disease carrying a more favorable prognosis. By discriminating minimally invasive from advanced T3 disease, preoperative EUS provides important prognostic information. Further subclassification of T3 tumors, based on preoperative EUS staging, should be considered to enhance selection of patients for neoadjuvant therapy.© 2004 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Immunohistochemical study of microvessel density, CD44 (standard form), p53 protein and c‐erbB2 in gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: KALEKOU HARIKLEIA , MILIARAS DIMOSTHENIS 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackground:  The purpose of the present study was to investigate microvessel density (MVD), and the expression of CD44 adhesion molecule, p53 protein and c‐erbB2 in gallbladder carcinoma, and their relation to histological grade and tumor invasiveness.Methods:  Immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against factor VIIIRAg, CD44 standard form (CD44s), p53 protein and c‐erbB2 was performed on paraffin sections from 33 cases of gallbladder carcinoma.Results:  Significant increase of MVD with increasing depth of invasion (P < 0.02) was observed. No association of MVD with histological differentiation, CD44s, p53 and c‐erbB2 protein expression was found. The expression of p53 protein was significantly higher in deeply invasive tumors (P = 0.028) and in moderately and poorly differentiated carcinomas (P < 0.05). The CD44s expression was higher in well‐differentiated carcinomas (P < 0.05). c‐erbB2 expression was found in 30.4% of tumors studied, but did not relate to any other parameters.Conclusion:  Microvessel density and p53 protein expression increase progressively with increasing tumor  invasiveness  in  gallbladder  carcinomas.  Microvessel  density,  p53  protein,  CD44s,  and  perhaps c‐erbB2 expression may be implicated in gallbladder carcinoma evolution.
Efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination and interferon‐α‐2b combination therapy versus interferon‐α‐2b monotherapy in children with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: HELVACI MEHMET , KIZILGUNESLER ASLI , KASIRGA ERHUN , OZBAL EBRU , KUZU MUGE , SOZEN GULBEN 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackground:  Although interferon (IFN) has been approved in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children, it is effective only in 30–40% of patients. In some studies it has been suggested that therapeutic use of anti‐hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine may be beneficial in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination and IFN‐α‐2b in combination and IFN‐α‐2b monotherapy in children with chronic hepatitis B.Methods:  Fifty treatment‐naive children with chronic hepatitis B infection were randomly assigned to receive either 5 million units/m2 recombinant IFN‐α‐2b subcutaneously three times per week for 9 months, and pre‐S2/S vaccine at the beginning and 4 and 24 weeks after initiation of IFN therapy (n = 25) or recombinant IFN‐α‐2b (5 million units/m2 subcutaneously thrice weekly) alone for 9 months (n = 25). Children were followed for at least 6 months after the end of therapy.Results:  There was no statistically significant difference in the mean alanine aminotransferase levels, histologic activity index and fibrosis scores between combination and IFN monotherapy groups at the end of the therapy and end of the follow‐up period. When combination and monotherapy groups were compared, the mean HBV‐DNA values were significantly reduced in combination group at the end of the therapy (P = 0.004), but no statistically significant difference was found at the end of the follow up. Sustained HBeAg seroconversion with clearance of HBV‐DNA was obtained in 13 of 25 children (52%) treated with combination therapy, and in eight of 25 patients (32%) treated with IFN monotherapy (P = 0.251).Conclusion:  Although the difference was statistically insignificant, the sustained response rates were better in the combination therapy group than in the monotherapy group. The potential benefit of combining IFN and hepatitis B vaccine should be investigated in further studies with different regimens of combination therapy.© 2004 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Epidemiological features of irritable bowel syndrome in a Turkish urban society
Authors: CELEBI SELMAN , ACIK YASEMIN , DEVECI S ERHAN , BAHCECIOGLU I HALIL , AYAR AHMET , DEMIR ALI , DURUKAN POLAT 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a widespread functional bowel disorder and its prevalence in Western societies ranges from 3‐20%. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of IBS in eastern Turkey, particularly in urban parts of Elazig where 250 000 people live.Methods:  Of the 18 primary care centers, four were randomly selected for this study. All individuals (aged >17 years) living around the service area of these health centers were included. A total of 1900 subjects were randomly selected using the personal health records from the primary care centers. The total number of subjects that could be contacted was 1766. A questionnaire with multiple choice questions was applied to the subjects by medical students using the face‐to‐face technique. Prevalence of IBS and distribution of symptoms were evaluated by the Rome II criteria.Results:  Of the 1766 subjects, 45.4% were male and 54.6% were female. Prevalence of IBS was 5% in males, 7.4% in females and 6.3% overall. The percentage of subjects with IBS in the 17–30 years age group was 26.2%; 52.3% in the 30–50 years age group and 21.6% in the above 50 years age group. Prevalence of IBS was highest (10.2%) in persons who were illiterate and lowest (3.0%) in university graduates. A positive correlation was determined between low economical status and prevalence of IBS (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Although IBS is widely present in Turkey, its prevalence is lower than that reported in Western communities. In the region where this study was carried out, IBS was more prevalent in females and in individuals with low educational and economical status.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on anti‐thrombotic dose aspirin‐induced gastroduodenal mucosal injury
Authors: GIRAL ADNAN , ÖZDOGAN OSMAN , ÇELIKEL ÇIGDEM A , TÖZÜN NURDAN , ULUSOY NEFISE B , KALAYCI CEM 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori infection and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs are two major causes of gastric injury but the effect of H. pylori eradication on the development of aspirin‐induced gastric mucosal injury is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on gastroduodenal mucosal injury induced by antithrombotic doses of aspirin.Methods:  Patients who had been planned to start on medium‐dose aspirin (300 mg) for any kind of indication were included in the study. All subjects underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for determination of H. pylori status and Lanza score. The H. pylori‐positive patients were randomized to receive either aspirin + eradication (omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. and amoxicillin 500 mg q.i.d. for 2 weeks) or aspirin + placebo eradication. Endoscopic reassessment was done 4 months after the onset of aspirin or when symptoms developed.Results:  Thirty‐two patients (placebo group n = 16, H. pylori‐eradicated group n = 16) completed the study and Lanza scores of both groups were similar before treatment. Lanza scores significantly increased in the placebo group (0.69 ± 0.87 vs 2.25 ± 1.3, P < 0.0001) and did not change in the H. pylori‐eradicated group after aspirin treatment (0.43 ± 0.72 vs 0.75 ± 0.93, P > 0.05).Conclusion:  Helicobacter pylori eradication may prevent medium‐dose aspirin‐induced gastroduodenal mucosal injury.
Ethnic and cultural determinants influence risk assessment for hepatitis C acquisition
Authors: DEV ANOUK , SUNDARARAJAN VIJAYA , SIEVERT WILLIAM 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim:  In the developed world hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is predominantly associated with sharing contaminated equipment between injecting drug users (IDU). In developing countries inadequately sterilized medical equipment, transmission of infected blood and cultural practices have been implicated. Accurate risk factor assessment is essential for education targeted at risk reduction in culturally diverse populations.Methods:  Ninety Australian‐born Caucasians and 72 South‐east Asian (SEA) HCV patients attending a Melbourne hospital liver clinic completed a questionnaire which assessed risk factor profile, perceived risk factors, knowledge of risk factors and methods to minimize transmission. Medical records were audited to identify doctor assessment of risk factors.Results:  Risk factors in Caucasians were IDU, body piercing and tattooing (89%, 47% and 32%, respectively). Risk factors in SEA patients were injection therapy, dental therapy and surgery (89%, 70% and 38%, respectively). Most Caucasian patients (94%) correctly identified their mode of acquisition compared with 33% of SEA patients (P < 0.0001). Accurate risk factor documentation in medical records was more common in Caucasians (96 vs 32%; P < 0.0001). The majority of patients identified blood‐to‐blood and sexual/vertical transmission as important modes of acquisition. However, 33% of SEA patients believed transmission occurred through food, water and poor hygiene and 80% did not identify therapeutic injection or traditional medical practices as risk factors. Education provided to SEA patients did not address less well established routes of transmission.Conclusions:  Ethnicity influences perception and knowledge of risk factors. Improved assessment of risk factors in high‐risk ethnic groups is needed. Education should be culturally appropriate and address the concerns of all populations with HCV.© 2004 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
River, reservoir and lake sediment contamination by heavy metals downstream from urban areas of Switzerland
Authors: Wildi Walter , Dominik Janusz , Loizeau Jean‐Luc , Thomas Richard Linn , Favarger Pierre‐Yves , Haller Laurence , Perroud Antoine , Peytremann Christophe 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThis paper quantifies sediment contamination by heavy metals in four reservoirs and one lake located downstream from major urban areas in Switzerland. The waterbodies include the Wettingen Reservoir (located on the Limmat River downstream from Zürich), the Klingnau Reservoir (on the lower Aare River), the Wohlen Reservoir (downstream from Berne), the Verbois Reservoir (downstream from Geneva) and Vidy Bay (Lake Geneva, city of Lausanne). For all sediment cores and contaminants, a trend is observed from high contaminant values in the lower part of the cores, decreasing to lower concentrations in the upper part of the cores. However, for each site and each element, specific features are recognized. Applying the criteria of the Swiss ordinance on soil protection, all sediment cores must be classified as contaminated by one or more contaminants and at variable levels. From these data, it is concluded that: reservoirs and lakes located downstream from major urban centres in Switzerland have accumulated significant volumes of contaminated sediments in the past, representing the largest, but not the most intensely, contaminated sites on a national scale; the main environmental risk is remobilization of the contaminants and their return to the food chain, particularly by infiltration into the groundwater; and although the processes of remobilization are identified, the conditions of occurrence and the amplitude of the processes are still poorly known. Different options of reservoir and lake sediment management also are discussed and further research topics defined.
Anangu oral health: The status of the Indigenous population of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara lands
Authors: Endean Colin , Roberts‐Thomson Kaye , Wooley Simon 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjective:  To describe oral health in the A

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angu Pitjantjatjaraku lands in South Australia and to compare with earlier surveys and national data. Design:  Descriptive. Setting:  Data were collected at the time of dental care service provision, according to World Health Organization protocols, at the request of the Nganampa Health Council on optical mark reader forms. Participants:  There were 356 A

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angu adults and 317 children surveyed. Results:  The mean number of teeth affected by dental caries in the deciduous dentition in young children, aged 5–6 years, was double (mean 3.20) that of the overall Australian child population aged 5–6 years (mean 1.44). In contrast to the decline in deciduous caries in Australian children generally, A

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angu children aged 5–9 years had a 42% increase in the mean number of teeth affected since 1987. Adults experienced low levels of dental caries, but severe periodontal disease was more prevalent among diabetics (79%) compared with‐non‐diabetics (13.8%). Tooth loss was found more frequently among adults with diabetes (mean 5.51) than non‐diabetics (mean 1.53). Conclusions:  Oral health promotion strategies, in association with general health strategies, need to be developed to improve oral health in this remote Aboriginal population. What this paper adds:  Recent studies have shown that oral health of Indigenous children is worsening, but there has been little documentation of the changing oral health status of Indigenous adults. This study notes the deterioration of oral health in both children and adults since 1987/88. The relationship between glycaemic control, periodontal diseases and tooth loss in Indigenous adult populations needs to be further investigated.
Hemangiosarcoma of the third eyelid in a dog
Authors: Liapis I. K. , Genovese L. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA case of hemangiosarcoma of the third eyelid in a 7‐year‐old Caucasian Sheepdog is reported. A voluminous red mass protruding from the free edge of the third eyelid in the right eye was present. The mass and the free edge of the third eyelid were surgically excised. On histopathologic examination the tumor was seen to infiltrate the propria of the third eyelid and was composed of neoplastic mesenchymal cells forming irregular channels containing blood. These plump cells showed moderate anisocytosis and anisokaryosis with a low mitotic index. The surgical wound healed successfully and after 9 months there had been no recurrence. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first hemangiosarcoma of the third eyelid reported in the dog.