bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing termite assemblages in fragmented forests: A test case in the Argentinian Chaco
Authors: ROISIN YVES , LEPONCE MAURICE 
Published: December 2004

Abstract  Termites are major decomposers in tropical ecosystems. To characterize their assemblages in terms of taxonomical and functional composition, Jones and Eggleton (2000, Journal of Applied Ecology 37, 191–203) recently proposed a standardized sampling protocol based on belt transects of 100 m × 2 m. We evaluated the representativeness of samples obtained by this protocol, and its suitability to calculate diversity statistics, by replicating it in an area of naturally fragmented subtropical forest. We sampled six 100 m transects in separate small forest islets, and one transect extended to 500 m in a large islet, recording presence/absence data (occurrences) of termite species in successive quadrats of 5 m × 2 m. In the large islet, strips of 100 m within the 500 m transect produced extremely variable species richness figures. This variability was primarily due to heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of soil‐dwelling termites. Combining non‐contiguous quadrats allowed us to span a broader diversity of microhabitats for an equal effort, providing less variable results and faster species accumulation. Individual transects of 100 m in small forest islets yielded too few samples to allow reliable estimations of total species richness, although these transects when pooled constituted a useful data set for comparison with other sites. In the focal habitat, a single 100 m transect appeared therefore inadequate to allow a reliable characterization of the termite assemblage, even at the level of a single forest islet. To improve the rate of species accumulation and to obtain diversity statistics allowing intersite comparisons, we suggest the use of smaller, non‐contiguous quadrats, and that sampling be continued until stable diversity estimates are obtained. In the habitat studied, such an alternative protocol could be adequately combined with a standardized protocol for collecting ground‐dwelling ants.
Potential interactions between humans and non‐breeding shorebirds on a subtropical intertidal flat
Authors: ZHARIKOV YURI , SKILLETER GREGORY A. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract  The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether bait harvesting, with all its inherent effects, occurring in the intertidal zone of a subtropical estuary, had an impact on a migratory shorebird, the eastern curlew Numenius madagascariensis. In a large‐scale manipulative study (units of experiment were 1 ha plots), callianassid shrimp Trypaea australiensis populations were harvested simulating the technique (manual pumping) and the levels of harvesting intensity per unit area (347 shrimp per hectare per harvesting event) exhibited by bait‐collectors in SE Australia and South Africa. It was found that at present levels of harvesting intensity per unit area (approximately 1% of standing stock removed per harvesting event) there is no threat to the stocks of Trypaea exploited by the curlews in Moreton Bay, Australia. However, the results show that the curlews themselves apply a considerable predation pressure on Trypaea. Based on the birds' foraging rates and densities, it was estimated that they would consume up to 100% of the initial Trypaea stock over the course of a non‐breeding season (October to March). However, the stable seasonal trend in the density of the size‐cohort of Trypaea preyed upon by the curlews indicates that the existing rates of predation are easily counterbalanced, e.g. through continuous density‐dependent recruitment of these crustaceans. We suggest that this mechanism will provide for a stable foraging environment for both the shorebirds and bait collectors.
Bladder neck contracture after radical retropubic prostatectomy
Authors: Besarani Dler , Amoroso Peter , Kirby Roger 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo examine the incidence, management and outcome of vesico‐urethral anastomotic strictures after bladder‐neck sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).PATIENTS AND METHODSWe assessed the incidence, management and outcome of anastomotic strictures in 510 consecutive patients (mean age 61 years, range 45–76) who had open RRP by one surgeon between 1994 and 2003.RESULTSThe mean (range) follow‐up was 30 (2–89) months; 48 patients (9.4%) developed an anastomotic stricture. Dilatation of the stricture was an effective treatment, with few patients requiring further treatment.CONCLUSIONStricture of the vesico‐urethral anastomosis after bladder‐neck sparing RRP is relatively frequent but can usually be successfully managed with one graduated dilatation under light sedation.
Serum prostate‐specific antigen to predict the presence of bladder outlet obstruction in men with urinary symptoms
Authors: Laniado Marc E. , Ockrim Jeremy L. , Marronaro Angelo , Tubaro Andrea , Carter Simon S. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo determine whether prostate specific antigen (PSA) level can usefully predict or exclude bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).PATIENTS AND METHODSA cohort of men from 1996 to 1999 who had LUTS caused by BPH was evaluated by serum PSA and pressure‐flow urodynamic studies, and a blinded comparison made. The settings were teaching hospitals in London, UK and L’Aquila, Italy. Men (302) were referred by primary‐care practitioners with LUTS and a PSA of < 10 ng/mL. Regression analysis was used to predict the extent of BOO, and create likelihood ratios and predictive values for BOO according to the PSA value.RESULTSPSA was significantly associated with BOO (P < 0.001; r2 0.07), with significant likelihood ratios altering the probability of BOO. If the PSA was > 4 ng/mL, mild or definite BOO was likely (89%), whereas if the PSA was <2 ng/mL, there was about a one‐third chance each of no, mild and definite BOO.CONCLUSIONHigh PSA levels in patients with LUTS are significantly associated with BOO; low PSA levels mean that definite BOO is unlikely.
A three‐centre experience of orthotopic neobladder reconstruction after radical cystectomy: initial results
Authors: Meyer Jon‐Paul , Drake Brent , Boorer James , Gillatt David , Persad Rajendra , Fawcett Derek 
Published: December 2004

Authors from three centres in the UK report on their experience with 104 patients in whom they had performed radical cystectomy and an orthotopic neobladder construction. The median follow‐up was 48 months. There were complications after surgery, with 24 early complications and a low re‐operation rate. They had a 99% daytime and a 78% nocturnal continence rate. They concur with the general view that this is a valuable contribution to this type of surgery.OBJECTIVETo assess, in a retrospective three‐centre series, the initial experience and results of patients undergoing radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe medical records were retrospectively reviewed for 104 suitable consecutive patients undergoing radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction between June 1994 and April 2003. The initial histology, operating times, transfusion rates, complications, mortality rates, continence rates, potency rates, and cancer control rates were recorded.RESULTSThe median (range) follow‐up was 48  (6–113) months; 90 patients had a reconstruction with a ‘Studer’ neobladder, 12 with a ‘Hautmann W pouch’ and two with a ‘T pouch’ ileal neobladder. There were 24 early complications, and in eight patients re‐operation was required; there was one death after surgery. There were 14 late complications and 10 patients required re‐operation. The daytime continence rate was 99% and the nocturnal continence rate 78%. Five patients required intermittent self‐catheterization. Twenty‐two patients died from local and/or distant recurrences, and four from other causes.CONCLUSIONSOrthotopic neobladder reconstruction provides excellent continence rates, and both acceptable complication and mortality rates. Suitable patients undergoing radical cystectomy should be offered orthotopic neobladder reconstruction.
Structural changes in the bladder walls of pregnant and hormone‐treated rats: correlation with bladder dynamics
Authors: Rodrìguez Larissa V. , Wang Bingyin , Shortliffe Linda M.D. 
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of oestrogen, progesterone and pregnancy on bladder dynamics, and assess the associated histological and structural changes in the bladder wall in a rat model.MATERIALS AND METHODSAdult female Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into groups and treated as follows: nonpregnant controls (NC); pregnant (PG); oophorectomized and treated with oestrogen (ES); oophorectomized and treated with progesterone (PR); and oophorectomized controls (OO). Simultaneous and continuous renal pelvic and bladder pressures were recorded during bladder filling and emptying. Connective tissue and smooth muscle were analysed morphometrically and quantitatively, and immunohistochemistry used to evaluate the distribution and expression of collagen types I, III and IV.RESULTSPG rats had significantly greater bladder compliance than NC, OO and PR rats (P < 0.05). This correlated with the morphometric analysis, with bladders of PG and PR rats having lower connective tissue to smooth muscle ratios than NC, ES and OO rats (P < 0.05). Collagen I was increased in the lamina propria of PG and ES rats, and the detrusor muscle layer showed greater localization of collagen III in the interfascicular space in the PG and PR rats than in the other groups. There was no change in the distribution of collagen IV.CONCLUSIONPG and PR rats had the highest bladder compliance and the changes paralleled structural changes in the bladders, specifically in the ratio of connective tissue to smooth muscle, and the distribution and expression of collagens I and III. These changes have age‐related implications in the urinary tract.
A world of cities
Authors: Robinson Jennifer 
Published: December 2004

Amin, Ash and
Thrift, Nigel

2002

Cambridge
:

192
pp. £

50.00

(hardback) £

14.99

(paperback)

Beall, Jo,
Crankshaw, Owen and
Parnell, Susan

2002

London
:

200
pp. £

60.00

(hardback) £

19.99

(paperback)

Bridge, Gary and
Watson, Sophie
(eds)
2002

Oxford
:

600
pp. £

65.00

(hardback) £

19.99

(paperback)

Le Galès, Patrick

2002

Oxford
:

280
pp. £

60.00

(hardback) £

19.99

(paperback)

Orum, Anthony M. and
Chen, Xiangming

2003

Oxford
:

192
pp. £

50.00

(hardback) £

14.99

(paperback)
Outcome of pregnancies achieved by in vitro fertilisation techniques and diagnosed as twins at the 6 week ultrasound
Authors: KOVACS Gabor T. , BREHENY Sue , MacLACHLAN Vivien , LOWE Philip , HOWLETT Donna 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: To bring the success rate of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures to an acceptable level, multiple embryos have historically been replaced. This has resulted in an ‘epidemic’ of multiple births. The pendulum has now swung full circle and the number of embryos transferred is now being limited. Such high numbers of IVF twins will not be produced in the future.Aim: To review retrospectively the outcome of a series of pregnancies achieved by IVF where the 6 week ultrasound showed the presence of two sacs.Methods: Retrospective study in a university IVF programme that produced 746 IVF pregnancies with twins at 6 weeks of gestation (1991–1999).Results: The main outcome measures were perinatal mortality, pregnancy outcome, gestation at delivery and obstetrics complications reported. Interestingly, by 20 weeks gestation, 184 (24.7%) of pregnancies spontaneously reduced to a singleton, whereas 49 (6.6%) lost both twins. Of the 513 (68.8%) viable twin pregnancies (>20 weeks), 154 (20.6%) went on to term (>37 weeks), whereas 250 (33.5%) delivered between 33 and 36 weeks gestation. The perinatal mortality per 1000 births was 6.5 over 37 weeks, 8.0 for 33–36 weeks, 41.7 for 29–32 weeks and 500 for under 28 weeks.
Does pregnancy affect pelvic organ mobility?
Authors: DIETZ Hans Peter , ELDRIDGE Ann , GRACE Marlene , CLARKE Barton 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: It is generally accepted that parity is a strong predictor of pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence. However, controversy persists as to whether this effect is due to pregnancy itself or parturition.Aims: To define the contribution of early and late pregnancy to bladder mobility.Methods: Case control series, using 88 non‐pregnant control subjects recruited for a heritability study on urinary incontinence and prolapse, matched for age and ethnicity with 28 pregnant women seen at 10–17 weeks and again at 32–39 weeks’ gestation. Main outcome parameters were ultrasound measures of anterior, central and posterior compartment descent as well as joint mobility measurements.Results: Patients in early pregnancy showed higher values for bladder mobility in comparison with non‐pregnant controls, although this did not reach significance for all parameters. However, when late pregnancy data were tested against non‐pregnant controls, this difference reached significance for all tested parameters. Uterine and rectal descent did not show any significant differences between groups. Results for joint mobility were inconsistent.Conclusions: This study supports the hypothesis that bladder and urethral mobility increase in pregnancy. This effect is already noticeable at 6–18 weeks. As similar changes are also seen in elbow hyperextension, a generalised effect on connective tissue biomechanics, likely hormonal, can be hypothesised.
Ethnicity and birth outcome: New Zealand trends 1980–2001. Part 1. Introduction, Methods, Results and Overview
Authors: CRAIG Elizabeth D. , MANTELL Colin D. , EKEROMA Alec J. , STEWART Alistair W. , MITCHELL Ed A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: New Zealand Government policy during the past decade has placed a high priority on closing socioeconomic and ethnic gaps in health outcome.Aim: To analyse New Zealand's trends in preterm and small for gestational age (SGA) births and late fetal deaths during 1980–2001 and to undertake ethnic specific analyses, resulting in risk factor profiles, for each ethnic group.Methods: De‐identified birth registration data from 1 189 120 singleton live births and 5775 stillbirths were analysed for the period 1980–2001. Outcomes of interest included preterm birth, SGA and late fetal death while explanatory variables included maternal ethnicity, age and New Zealand Deprivation Index decile. Trend analysis was undertaken for 1980–1994 while multivariate logistic regression was used to explore risk factors for 1996–2001.Results: During 1980–1994, preterm birth rates were highest amongst Maori women. Preterm rates increased by 30% for European/other women, in contrast to non‐significant declines of 7% for Maori women and 4% for Pacific women during this period. During the same period, rates of SGA were highest amongst Maori women. Rates of SGA declined by 30% for Pacific women, 25% for Maori women and 19% for European/other women during this period. Rates of late fetal death were highest amongst Pacific women during 1980–1994, but declined by 49% during this period, the rate of decline being similar for all ethnic groups.Conclusions: The marked differences in both trend data and risk factor profiles for women in New Zealand's largest ethnic groups would suggest that unless ethnicity is specifically taken into account in future policy and planning initiatives, the disparities seen in this analysis might well persist into future generations.
Ethnicity and birth outcome: New Zealand trends 1980–2001: Part 2. Pregnancy outcomes for Maori women
Authors: MANTELL Colin D. , CRAIG Elizabeth D. , STEWART Alistair W. , EKEROMA Alec J. , MITCHELL Ed A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: While traditionally Maori perinatal mortality has been similar to that of other ethnic groups, rates of preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA) and teenage pregnancy have remained high.Aims: To review current trends in preterm birth, SGA and teenage pregnancy for Maori during 1980–2001 and to highlight the major factors that have influenced Maori reproductive outcomes during this period.Methods: De‐identified birth registration data from 1 189 120 singleton live births and 5775 stillbirths were analysed for 1980–2001. Outcomes of interest included preterm birth, SGA and late fetal death while explanatory variables included maternal ethnicity, age and NZ Deprivation Index decile. Trend analysis was undertaken for 1980–1994 and multivariate logistic regression was used to explore risk factors for 1996–2001.Results: During 1980–1994, Maori women had the highest preterm birth rates of any ethnic group in New Zealand, but in relative terms, inequalities declined as a consequence of a non‐significant 7% fall in rates being offset by a statistically significant 30% increase for the European/other ethnic group. Rates of SGA were also higher amongst Maori women but declined by 25% during the 1980–1994 period. In addition, Maori women experienced significant socioeconomic gradients in SGA, with risk for Maori women in the most deprived NZDep areas being double that of Maori living affluent areas. Paradoxically, while Maori women had high rates of teenage pregnancy, this did not confer additional risk for preterm birth or SGA during the 1996–2001 period.Conclusions: While high rates of teenage pregnancy amongst Maori women appear not to confer additional risk for preterm birth or SGA, the social consequences of early childbearing may well be significant. The persistence of elevated rates of preterm birth and large socioeconomic gradients in SGA amongst Maori suggest that broader social and policy interventions are necessary if Maori are to achieve optimal birth outcomes in the coming decades.
Ethnicity and birth outcome: New Zealand trends 1980–2001: Part 3. Pregnancy outcomes for Pacific women
Authors: EKEROMA Alec J. , CRAIG Elizabeth D. , STEWART Alistair W. , MANTELL Colin D. , MITCHELL Ed A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: Pacific women in New Zealand reside in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation compared to women from other ethnic groups. Pacific women and their health are further disadvantaged because of genetic predisposition and sociocultural factors that cause ill‐health. The correlations between pregnancy outcomes, risk factors and other health indices in Pacific women need evaluation.Aims: To examine trends in preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA) and late fetal death for Pacific women during 1980–2001 and to explore risk factors which make this group vulnerable to adverse birth outcome.Methods: De‐identified birth registration data from 1 189 120 singleton live births and 5775 stillbirths were analysed for 1980–2001. Outcomes of interest included preterm birth, SGA and late fetal death while explanatory variables included maternal ethnicity, age and NZ Deprivation Index decile. Trend analysis was undertaken for 1980–1994 and multivariate logistic regression was used to explore risk factors for 1996–2001.Results: Pacific women had the lowest rates of preterm birth and SGA when compared to Maori and European women. In addition, preterm birth rates underwent a non‐significant 4% decline and SGA rates a 30% decline during 1980–1994. Although there has been a 49% decline in late fetal deaths during 1980–1994, the rate remained higher for Pacific women than for Maori and European/other women.Conclusions: Despite residing in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation, which is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes for Maori and European/other women, Pacific women had better pregnancy outcomes, with lower preterm and SGA rates. The significant decline in rates of late fetal death during the past two decades is a cause for celebration; however, the rate remains higher for Pacific women than for other ethnic groups. Biological, cultural and social factors might explain the better pregnancy outcomes for Pacific women and these factors should be considered when developing future prevention programmes.
Exposure to low outdoor temperature in the midtrimester is associated with low birth weight
Authors: ELTER Koray , AY Emine , UYAR Esra , KAVAK Zehra N. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: Although seasonal variation of birth weight has been reported previously, contributing factors such as the meteorological factor and its specific period of exposure remain unclear.Aim: To investigate the effect of season on birth weight and to determine the meteorological factor and its specific period of exposure which can contribute to any seasonal variation in birth weight.Methods: Retrospective analysis of 3333 singleton live births after 36 completed weeks of pregnancy. Maternal age, parity, route of delivery, sex and individual meteorological variables for the first, second, and third trimesters of each pregnancy were analysed using multiple regression analysis with the birth weight as the dependent variable.Results: A seasonal pattern was observed with lowest birth weights in women who had their last menstrual periods in summer and autumn. Upon multiple regression analysis, sex, parity, mode of delivery, and the temperature which the mother was exposed to in the second trimester were the independent determinants of birth weight.Conclusion: Exposure to low outdoor ambient temperature in the midtrimester can be associated with low birth weight.
Unsucessful labour induction in women with unfavourable cervical scores: predictors and management
Authors: CALISKAN Eray , DILBAZ Serdar , GELISEN Orhan , DILBAZ Berna , OZTURK Nilgun , HABERAL Ali 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: Misoprostol fails to induce labour in 5–20% of women at term.Aim: To analyse possible predictors of unsuccessful induction with 50 µg vaginal misoprostol and effectiveness and the safety of intracervical Foley catheter application in induction failures.Methods: An observational study was conducted on 1030 women with singleton, live fetuses, vertex presentation, > 34 weeks of gestation and Bishop score < 5. Induction of labour with 50 µg vaginal misoprostol repeated every 6 h was attempted. Women without regular uterine contractions and cervical changes at the end of 24 h were considered to be unsuccessful, and a transcervical Foley balloon catheter was placed and inflated with 50 mL saline. Possible predictors of induction failures were analysed via logistic regression analysis. Neonatal outcomes and vaginal delivery achieved after Foley catheter were also determined.Results: Induction was successful in 918 cases (89.1%) and Foley catheter was placed in 112 (10.8%) women. Increasing gestational age in weeks (odds ratio [OR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68–0.88) and increasing Bishop score (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.60–0.90) decreased the risk of failed induction. Failure rates were 16% (27/169) in post‐term nulliparous women with Bishop score ≤ 1 and 40% (4/10) in preterm women with Bishop score ≤ 1. Foley catheter achieved vaginal delivery in 83% of these women without causing an increase in the adverse neonatal outcomes.Conclusion: When misoprostol induction fails, Foley catheter is a safe and effective method for cervical ripening. Foley catheter can be the first treatment of choice in post‐term nulliparous women or preterm women with Bishop score ≤ 1.
Is there a role for colposcopy in the follow‐up of treated low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions?
Authors: JONES Simon , SYKES Peter , PATHER Selvan , PEDDIE David 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIs routine colposcopy justified in the follow up of treated low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LGSIL) of the cervix? This retrospective study analysed the notes of women treated at a public hospital colposcopy clinic over a 5‐year period. Two hundred and fifty women fulfilled the inclusion criteria of whom 11 had persistent disease. Of these, only one case of LGSIL was detected by colposcopy in the absence of abnormal cytology. In the present study, routine colposcopy offered minimal additional benefit over cytology.