bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recolonization and radiation in Larix (Pinaceae): evidence from nuclear ribosomal DNA paralogues
Authors: WEI XIAO‐XIN , WANG XIAO‐QUAN 
Published: October 2004

AbstractGene paralogy frequently causes the conflict between gene tree and species tree, but sometimes the coexistence of a few paralogous copies could provide more markers for tracing the phylogeographical process of some organisms. In the present study, nrDNA ITS paralogues were cloned from all but one species of Larix, an Eocene genus having two sections, Larix and Multiserialis, with a huge circumboreal distribution and an Eastern Asia–Western North America disjunction, respectively. A total of 96 distinct clones, excluding five putative pseudogenes or recombinants, were obtained and used in the gene genealogy analysis. The clones from all Eurasian species of section Larix are mixed together, suggesting that recolonization and recent morphological differentiation could have played important roles in the evolution of this section. In contrast, the species diversification of the Eurasian section Multiserialis may result from radiation in the east Himalayas and its vicinity, considering extensive nrDNA founder effects in this group. Our study also suggests that the distribution pattern analysis of members of multiple gene family would be very useful in tracking the evolutionary history of some taxa with recent origin or rapid radiation that cannot be resolved by other molecular markers.
The genetic structure of adders (Vipera berus) in Fennoscandia: congruence between different kinds of genetic markers
Authors: CARLSSON M. , SÖDERBERG L. , TEGELSTRÖM H. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractIn order to elucidate the colonization history of Fennoscandian adders (Vipera berus), the phylogeographical patterns of two nuclear sets of DNA markers (random amplified polymorphic DNA and microsatellite) are compared with that previously obtained from mitochondrial DNA. An eastern and a western lineage within Fennoscandian adders is readily distinguishable using both sets of nuclear markers, corroborating the hypothesis that the lineages stem from separate glacial refugia. Moreover, the same contact zones as were derived from mitochondrial data are clearly identifiable. Both sets of nuclear markers detect a high level of admixture across one zone in northern Finland, with introgression reaching far west into Sweden.
The molecular phylogenetics of endangerment: cryptic variation and historical phylogeography of the California tiger salamander,Ambystoma californiense
Authors: SHAFFER H. BRADLEY , PAULY GREGORY B. , OLIVER JEFFREY C. , TRENHAM PETER C. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractA primary goal of conservation genetics is the discovery, delimitation and protection of phylogenetic lineages within sensitive or endangered taxa. Given the importance of lineage protection, a combination of phylogeography, historical geology and molecular clock analyses can provide an important historical context for overall species conservation. We present the results of a range‐wide survey of genetic variation in the California tiger salamander,Ambystoma californiense, as well as a summary of the past several million years of inundation and isolation of the Great Central Valley and surrounding uplands that constitute its limited range. A combination of population genetic and phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA variation among 696 samples from 84 populations revealed six well‐supported genetic units that are geographically discrete and characterized by nonoverlapping haplotype distributions. Populations from Santa Barbara and Sonoma Counties are particularly well differentiated and geographically isolated from all others. The remaining units in the Southern San Joaquin Valley, Central Coast Range, Central Valley and Bay Area are separated by geological features, ecological zone boundaries, or both. The geological history of the California landscape is consistent with molecular clock evidence suggesting that the Santa Barbara unit has been isolated for at least 0.74–0.92 Myr, and the Sonoma clade is equally ancient. Our work places patterns of genetic differentiation into both temporal‐ and landscape‐level contexts, providing important insights into the conservation genetics of the California tiger salamander.
Imaging of iron oxide nanoparticles by MR and light microscopy in patients with malignant brain tumours
Authors: Neuwelt E. A. , Várallyay P. , Bagó A. G. , Muldoon L. L. , Nesbit G. , Nixon R. 
Published: October 2004

Objective:Ferumoxtran‐10 (Combidex®), a dextran‐coated iron oxide nanoparticle, provides enhancement of intracranial tumours by magnetic resonance (MR) for more than 24 h and can be imaged histologically by iron staining. Our goal was to compare ferumoxtran imaging and histochemistry vs. gadolinium enhancement in malignant brain tumours on preoperative and postoperative MR. Methods: Seven patients with primary and metastatic malignant tumours underwent MR imaging with gadolinium and ferumoxtran both pre‐ and postoperatively. Normalized signal intensities on the ferumoxtran‐enhanced scans were determined in representative regions of interest. Resected tissue from six ferumoxtran patients and from three patients who did not receive ferumoxtran was assessed for localization of iron in tumour and reactive brain. Results: All malignant tumours (all of which enhanced by gadolinium MR) showed ferumoxtran accumulation with T1 and T2 signal changes, even using a 0.15 T intraoperative MR unit in one patient. Iron staining was predominantly in reactive cells (reactive astrocytes and macrophages) and not tumour cells. In five of the seven patients, including two patients who showed additional lesions, areas enhancing with ferumoxtran but not with gadolinium were observed. Comparison of the pre‐ and postoperative MR revealed residual ferumoxtran‐enhancing areas in four of seven cases. Conclusion: In malignant tumours, ferumoxtran may show areas of enhancement, even with a 0.15 T intraoperative MR, that do not enhance with gadolinium. Ferumoxtran‐enhancing lesions have persistent increased T1 signal intensity for 2–5 days, which may provide advantages over gadolinium for postoperative imaging. Histochemistry for iron shows uptake of ferumoxtran in reactive cells (astrocytes and macrophages) rather than tumour cells.
Etanercept treatment of renal amyloidosis complicating rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Smith G. R. , Tymms K. E. , Falk M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis represent the commonest diseases complicated by AA amyloidosis in developed countries. Up to 5% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis will develop AA amyloidosis, with renal failure being the commonest cause of mortality. To date, treatment of this condition has focused on suppressing the underlying inflammatory condition with drugs such as cyclophosphamide and chlorambucil, but both these drugs are associated with myelotoxicity, leukaemia and sterility. Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is thought to be involved in amyloid deposition. The efficacy of anti‐TNF‐α therapy (etanercept) in the treatment of renal amyloidosis complicating rheumatoid arthritis is demonstrated here and the current scientific data on this subject are presented. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 570−572)
Receiving a hepatitis C‐positive diagnosis
Authors: Hopwood M. , Treloar C. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground:There is a paucity of academic literature that describes patients’ experiences of receiving a hepatitis C‐positive diagnosis, doctors’ explanations of the infection and referral to support services.Aim:The aim of the present study was to report findings on receiving a positive diagnosis from a study of people with hepatitis C infection.Method:A cross‐sectional study of people with hepatitis C infection living in New South Wales, Australia, was carried out (n = 504).Results:Of participants diagnosed with hepatitis C infection from 1989 to 2001 (n = 417), just under one‐third (29.5%,n = 123) reported that they had received ‘no explanation’ about their infection from their doctor at diagnosis. Women and those diagnosed from 1989 to 1996 were significantly more likely to report receiving no explanation than men and those diagnosed later (35.4 vs 23.7% and 37.5 vs 23.0%, respectively). Similarly, current injecting drug users and those diagnosed from 1989 to 1996 were significantly more likely to report receiving no post‐test counselling than those who were not currently injecting and those diagnosed later (42.9 vs 30.2% and 37.6 vs 25.9%, respectively). Participants diagnosed from 1997 to 2001 were significantly more likely to report receiving pamphlets about hepatitis C infection (39.2 vs 23.7%), information about treatments (24.5 vs 16.2%) and advice regarding natural therapies (9.1 vs 3.8%) than those diagnosed earlier.Conclusions:These data provide evidence of an increase in the dissemination of hepatitis C information by doctors at diagnosis during the late 1990s. Continued effort is needed to improve doctors’ provision of information and referral to specialists and support agencies for people newly diagnosed with hepatitis C. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 526−531)
Telopeptides as markers of bone turnover in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Authors: Wong P. K. K. , Young L. , Vaile J. H. , Tan L. , Bertouch J. V. , Bleasel J. F. , White C. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractAims: The aim of the present study was to determine if urinary excretion of type I collagen N‐terminal telo­peptides (UrNTx) and deoxypyridinoline (UrDPD) and serum levels of type I collagen C‐terminal telopeptides (SeCTx) differed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with populations matched for age and gender with and without osteoarthritis (OA). The correlation of markers of bone turnover with disease activity in patients with RA or radiographic severity in patients with OA was also examined.Methods: Patients with RA aged >50 years (men) and >60 years (women) were identified from computer databases at two tertiary referral centres for rheumatology. Strict exclusion criteria were applied to avoid the effects of factors known to influence markers of bone turnover. Patients with RA and OA were matched for age and sex with a control population free of known arthritic disease and a population with OA. Bone markers were assayed in serum and urine. Urine markers were measured on three consecutive days and mean values used to minimize day‐to‐day variability of these analytes.Results: The level of UrNTx was elevated in patients with RA compared with normal controls and patients with OA. UrNTx and UrDPD correlated with markers of disease activity in patients with RA (erythrocyte ­sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein), but not with ­clinical signs of inflammation (swollen and tender joint counts). Patients with OA failed to show any correlation between markers of bone turnover and radiographic severity.Conclusions: These data support a role for the use of UrNTx and UrDPD in further studies of the patho­physiology of RA and in longitudinal studies designed to modify the course of clinical disease. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 539−544)
Prognostic implication of ST‐segment resolution following primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for ST‐elevation acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Lee A. K. Y. , Sadick N. , Ng A. , Hsieh C. , Ross D. L. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground : ST‐segment changes have been shown to correlate with myocardial tissue perfusion. Complete ST‐segment resolution after thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction is associated with lower mortality and better left ventricular function. Primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for acute myocardial infarction restores better epicardial coronary flow to the infarct‐related artery than thrombolysis. However, ST changes may persist and flow can remain poor despite a patent vessel.Aim : To examine the prognostic implication of ST‐segment resolution immediately following primary and rescue PTCA for ST‐elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods: Records of 201 consecutive primary and rescue PTCA performed at Westmead Hospital for STEMI from January 2000 to December 2001 were reviewed. ST‐segment elevation (taken 20 ms after the end of the QRS complex) was measured immediately before and after the procedure. ST‐segment resolution of greater than 70% after the procedure was considered as ­‘complete’ ST‐segment resolution, whereas ST‐segment resolution of less than 70% was considered as ‘incomplete’ ST‐segment resolution.Results : Of the 201 patients, 117 (58%) had complete ST‐elevation resolution and 84 (42%) did not. There was a significant difference in survival free of major adverse cardiovascular events; 60% of those with complete ST‐segment resolution were event‐free at 2 years compared with 35% of those patients without complete ST‐segment resolution.Conclusion : ST‐segment resolution after primary and rescue PTCA for STEMI is associated with significantly higher event‐free survival. The goal of primary angio­plasty should be the restoration of normal epicardial flow with normalization of ST‐segments. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 551−556)
Would general practitioners support a population‐based colorectal cancer screening programme of faecal‐occult blood testing?
Authors: Tong S. , Hughes K. , Oldenburg B. , Del Mar C. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground:  The success of a population‐based screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is determined to a large extent by general practitioner (GP) attitudes, beliefs and support. The extent to which GPs support population‐based CRC screening remains unclear.Aims:  To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of GPs in relation to CRC screening, and to identify the determinants of GP support for population‐based faecal‐occult blood testing (FOBT).Methods:  A cross‐sectional postal survey was conducted with a random sample of 692 GPs in Queensland, ­Australia. We assessed GP knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning CRC screening in relation to their stance on population‐based FOBT screening.Results:  Although the response rate was low (41%), ­participants were representative of Queensland GPs in general. Of 284 participating GPs, 143 (50.5%) indicated that they would support a population‐based FOBT screening programme, 42 (14.8%) would not and 98 (34.6%) were unsure. Belief in FOBT test efficacy (P < 0.001), possession of CRC guidelines (P < 0.05) and belief in earlier stage detection (P < 0.05) were major determinants of support for population‐based FOBT screening. No significant association was observed for doctor's sex, location of practice, age, year completed medical training, membership of a Division of General Practice, number of weekly consultations, number of patients investigated for CRC per month, size of practice, own family history of CRC, interest in further information on CRC screening or treatment, and current use of FOBT with asymptomatic patients aged ≥40 years.Conclusions:  GP support for FOBT population‐based screening appears to have increased over recent years. The knowledge and attitudes/beliefs of GPs are key determinants of their support. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 532−538)
Assessment and management of falls in older people
Authors: Hill K. , Schwarz J. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractFalls remain a major cause of mortality and morbidity for older Australians, despite considerable growth in falls prevention activity in recent years. Risk factors for falls are well defined, and there is a growing evidence base from randomized controlled trials in community settings indicating a range of effective individual and multiple strategy interventions to reduce falls and falls injuries. These range from health promotion approaches, such as group exercise programmes, through to multidisciplinary, multifactorial interventions for high‐risk populations. Practitioners need to utilize a range of strategies to enhance uptake and sustained participation in falls prevention activities. Future research needs to address important gaps, such as compliance issues, and interventions for people with cognitive impairment, dizziness and vision loss. Further research is also required in residential care and hospital settings, where there is relatively little research evidence to guide practice. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 557−564)
Towards evidence‐based use of serum tumour marker requests: an audit of use in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Loi S. , Haydon A. M. M. , Shapiro J. , Schwarz M. A. , Schneider H. G. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground : Serum tumour markers (TM) are often measured in hospital patients. The reasons for their use and their benefits with regards to earlier cancer diag­nosis and patient management are not known.Aims : To identify the patterns of TM use in a tertiary hospital and to determine the usefulness and appropriateness of requests in this setting.Methods: A cross‐sectional, retrospective study of TM ordered over a 3‐month period was conducted. Data were obtained from patient records. CA‐125, CA 15‐3, CA 19‐9, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) were studied. Prostate specific antigen was not separately investigated. The reasons for ordering, usefulness and appropriateness of use were defined prior to analysis.Results: A total of 476 TM was ordered in 373 patients. One hundred and six (22%) of all results were abnormal by laboratory criteria. AFP was the most popular test ordered. Forty‐seven per cent of patients had no cancer diagnosis. Oncological units (ONC) ordered 27% of tests. The most popular reasons for TM ordering were for screening (36%) followed by diagnostic aid (19%). ONC units ordered TM mainly for monitoring disease status, as opposed to non‐ONC units who ordered TM usually for diagnostic aid. TM were deemed appropriately ordered in 69% of cases. Twenty‐nine per cent of TM were helpful in patient management. Only four results (<1%) aided in diagnosis.Conclusions: The reasons and appropriateness of TM use varied depending on the specialization of the requesting clinician. The current serum TM are most useful as aids in cancer patients, rather than for diagnosis (P < 0.0001). Apart from AFP, these TM seem to have limited use in the general medical, non‐oncological patients. Guidelines for their use in this setting are needed. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 545−550)
Is honesty always the best policy? Ethical aspects of truth telling
Authors: Gold M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractPhysicians have not always believed that patients should be told of their diagnosis. Modern, western medical practice places a high value on providing accurate, truthful information to patients. This is heavily influenced by the commitment to patient autonomy and participation in decision‐making. However, situations arise where truth telling is difficult to achieve, creating a dilemma for the treating doctor. This article discusses aspects of truth telling in a multicultural society. (Intern Med J 2003; 33: 578−580)
Hyperprolactinaemia associated with a complex cystic pituitary mass: medical versus surgical therapy
Authors: Inder W. J. , MacFarlane M. R. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractA 39‐year‐old woman presented with visual loss and hyperprolactinaemia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an intrasellar and suprasellar mass with a large cystic component that was hyperintense on T2‐weighted imaging. Prolactin levels were up to 5400 mIU/L. Following trans‐sphenoidal surgery, histology showed ­elements of both a Rathke's cleft cyst and prolactinoma. We suggest primary surgical management of large cystic pituitary lesions with associated hyperprolactinaemia, particularly when there is hyperintensity on T2‐weighted imaging. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 573−576)
Assessment of early paraprotein response to vincristine‐doxorubicin‐dexamethasone chemotherapy may help guide therapy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Ross D. M. , To L. B. , Horvath N. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractVincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone (VAD) are commonly used as the initial chemotherapy in myeloma patients prior to high‐dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. We reviewed monoclonal protein responses and survival of 62 patients treated in this way. Among patients with IgG paraprotein, achievement of at least 50% reduction in paraprotein after the first cycle of VAD correlated with significantly better event‐free survival at 3 years, compared with those having less than 50% response. We postulate that early paraprotein response may be used to identify high risk patients. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 576−578)
Lichen amyloidosus treated by hydrocolloid dressings
Authors: Hallel‐Halevy D , Finkelstein E , Grunwald MH , Halevy S 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACTWe hereby report a case of lichen amyloidosus in a 69‐year‐old man unresponsive to various treatments. The patient was treated by occlusion with hydrocolloid dressings. Considerable subjective and objective improvement was observed with respect to the pruritus and cosmetic appearance. We suggest this convenient and efficacious treatment as first line therapy.
Cutaneous sarcoidosis and polycythemia vera
Authors: Pascual JC , Belinchón I , Albares P , Vergara G , Betlloch I , Bañuls J 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACTPolycythemia vera is classified with myelogenous leukaemia, agnogenic myeloid metaplasia and primary thrombocythemia as a myeloproliferative syndrome. Cutaneous symptoms have been reported with polycythemia vera, including facial plethora, aquagenic pruritus, urticaria, purpura, Sweet's syndrome and pyoderma gangrenosum. However, polycythemia vera associated with systemic sarcoidosis has been rarely reported. An unusual case of polycythemia vera associated with cutaneous sarcoidosis is described.
Dowling–Degos disease with dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria‐like pigmentation in a family
Authors: Sandhu K , Saraswat A , Kanwar AJ 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACTDowling–Degos disease is a rare autosomal dominant inherited pigmentary disorder characterized by reticulate pigmentation of the flexures, prominent comedone like lesions and pitted scars. Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria is characterized by the presence of hypopigmented as well as hyperpigmented macules. We report a family showing features of both these diseases.
Pyoderma gangrenosum with spleen involvement and monoclonal IgA gammopathy
Authors: Mijuşković Z̆P , Zečević RD , Pavlović MD 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACTA 46‐year‐old man with a 3‐year history of pyoderma gangrenosum was admitted with ulceration (6 × 5 cm), on the right leg. Previously he had been treated with tapering doses of prednisone (maximum dose 1 mg/kg per day); however, he had had a few exacerbations following each taper of prednisone dose. Immunoelectrophoresis demonstrated monoclonal IgA gammopathy of λ light chains. Abdominal echography and abdominal computed tomographic scan revealed multiple splenic abscesses. Treatment was started with oral prednisone (1 mg/kg per day) and cyclosporin (5 mg/kg per day) and 6 weeks later complete remission was achieved. Systemic involvement in pyoderma gangrenosum is very rare, and according to our knowledge there are only a few cases with spleen involvement.
Lymphomatoid papulosis associated with parathyroid nodular hyperplasia: report of a case
Authors: Aguilar‐Bernier M , Bassas‐Vila J , Bordel‐Gomez MT , Morales‐Callaghan A , Tejerina‐Garcia JA , Miranda‐Romero A 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACTThe association of cutaneous lymphoproliferative diseases and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is infrequent, with only three cases reported to date. We present a patient with lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) who developed hypercalcaemia secondary to parathyroid nodular hyperplasia. A review of the literature has revealed no similar cases; we therefore believe this to be the first description of the association between LyP and PHP.