bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Behçet's disease in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Azizlerli Gülsevim , Akdağ Köse Afet , Sarıca Rıfkiye , Gül Ahmet , Tutkun İlknur Tuğal , Kulaç Mustafa , Tunç Recep , Urgancıoğlu Meri , Dişçi Rian 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground  The prevalence of Behçet's disease (BD) is much higher in countries along the ancient Silk Route, extending from Japan to Mediterranean countries including Turkey, than in northern Europe and the USA. Three previous epidemiologic surveys have been carried out in different regions of Turkey.Patients and methods  This study investigated the cross‐sectional prevalence of BD in individuals aged > 12 years in Istanbul, Turkey, in two stages. The first stage aimed to identify individuals with recurrent oral ulcers (ROUs) by visiting them in their homes, and the second stage aimed to further examine those with ROUs for the presence of other BD‐related manifestations under hospital conditions. The sample size was determined to be 24,000 with an expected BD prevalence rate of 1/1000 and a sampling error of 4/10,000, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 6–14/10,000. The number of individuals to be screened in each district was determined in proportion to the population of all districts in Istanbul.Results  The standard questionnaire was applied to a total of 23,986 individuals at their homes. A history of ROU was recorded in 2289 individuals (9.5%), and a previous diagnosis of BD was recorded in 47. The diagnosis of ROU was confirmed in 700, and the diagnosis of BD was established in 101 according to the International Study Group criteria. The prevalence rate of BD was estimated as 42/10,000 (95% CI, 34–51/10,000) in Istanbul, Turkey.Conclusions  This survey conducted in Istanbul, the largest cosmopolitan city in Turkey with immigrants from all over the country, has a larger sample size than other previous studies, and therefore the reported prevalence rate of BD has a more acceptable confidence interval. This study aids in the estimation of the prevalence of BD in Turkey, and supports previous findings that Turkey has the highest prevalence rate of the disease in the world.
Tinea corporis in human immunodeficiency virus‐positive patients: case report and assessment of oral therapy
Authors: Burkhart Craig N. , Chang Howard , Gottwald Lorie 
Published: October 2003

AbstractDermatophytosis in immunocompromised hosts is more varied and often more severe than in immunocompetent hosts. Early recognition and treatment with systemic therapy are important in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients in order to prevent severe infection. Potential drug resistance can occur due to chronic usage of systemic azole therapy in such patients, or the existence of atypical fungi. Although warnings have been made of possible drug interactions between certain antifungals and antiretroviral medications, only one combination has shown a clinically significant interaction. A case treated aggressively with oral terbinafine at the onset is presented.Background  Dermatophytosis in immunocompromised hosts is more varied and often more severe than in immunocompetent hosts. Early recognition and treatment with systemic therapy are important in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive patients in order to prevent severe infection.Objective  To analyze potential therapies for dermatophyte infections in immunocompromised patients and risk of drug resistance and interactions with antiretroviral medications.Methods  Literature search based on MEDLINE (1966–March 2003) and additional references obtained from cross‐referencing retrieved articles. All information deemed relevant by the reviewers was included. A case study was employed to exemplify the usage of this information in patient care.Results  Although warnings have been made of possible drug interactions between certain antifungals and antiretroviral medications, only one combination has shown a clinically significant interaction.Conclusions  When considering drug interactions and side‐effects, there are no clinically significant reasons to avoid any oral antifungal for dermatophytosis in the HIV‐positive patient.
Vitiligo in the Nigerian African: a study of 351 patients in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Onunu Abel N. , Kubeyinje Emmanuel P. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground  There is a paucity of reports on vitiligo in sub‐Saharan Africa.Aim  To define the clinical and epidemiologic pattern of vitiligo in the Nigerian African.Methods  We examined all new cases of vitiligo seen in the Dermatology Unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) over a 14‐year period: January 1985 to December 1998.Results  Three hundred and fifty‐one patients with vitiligo, representing 3.2% of new dermatologic cases, were enrolled. The study group was made up of 153 males and 198 females, giving a sex ratio of 1 : 1.3. The peak incidence of vitiligo was in the second and third decades of life, and the most common form of presentation was the localized focal type (77%), followed by the segmental type (12.5%) and the generalized form (10.5%). Common sites affected were the limbs (32%), trunk (23.8%), face (18.2%), head and neck (9.1%), and the mucous membranes (7.4%). There was a positive family history of vitiligo in 18% of subjects and 3.4% had systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (1.7%), anemia (0.8%), hyperthyroidism (0.6%), and leukemia (0.3%).Conclusions  Vitiligo on darkly pigmented skin is often a very striking disease. Our findings show that the pattern of vitiligo is similar to that reported from other parts of the world. The high level of social stigmatization is due to confusion with leprosy.
Calcipotriol versus coal tar: a prospective randomized study in stable plaque psoriasis
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Kaur Inderjeet , Kumar Bhushan 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground  Topical therapies are the first line of treatment for patients with stable plaque psoriasis (SPP) affecting a limited body surface area. Very few trials comparing newer agents, such as 0.005% topical calcipotriol, with conventional modes of therapy, such as coal tar ointment, have been reported.Methods  A prospective, right–left randomized, investigator‐blinded study with a 12‐week treatment period and an 8‐week follow‐up period was performed. Thirty‐six patients with nearly bilaterally symmetrical SPP lesions on the limbs were instructed to apply 5% coal tar ointment overnight on one side once daily and 0.005% calcipotriol ointment on the other side twice a day. All patients were advised to expose both sides to the sun for 2 h every day. Psoriatic lesions and progress during treatment were evaluated using the severity (0–3) scale of erythema, scaling and induration (ESI score). Evaluation was carried out every 2 weeks during the treatment period and monthly during follow‐up. At the end of 12 weeks, patients with > 75% reduction in the ESI score were considered to be markedly improved, those with 51–75% reduction to be moderately improved, those with 26–50% reduction to be minimally improved and those with < 25% to be non‐responders. Self‐assessment by the patients regarding the efficacy and acceptability of the two modalities was on a five‐point scale. Serum calcium, serum phosphate, total and differential serum proteins, 24‐h urinary calcium and phosphate were monitored both at baseline and after completion of therapy.Results  Thirty of the 36 recruited patients completed the study. The difference in clinical response between the two sides was statistically significant at 4, 6 and 8 weeks, with the percentage reduction in ESI score with calcipotriol being 65.7 ± 12.2% compared with 45.8 ± 16.6% with coal tar at 8 weeks (P < 0.01, t = 6.4). However, the difference in clinical response at 10 and 12 weeks between the two sides was not significant, with a mean reduction of 71.9 ± 13.3% in ESI score on the calcipotriol‐treated side compared with 69.4 ± 15.4% with coal tar ointment (P > 0.05). In the follow‐up period of 8 weeks, recurrence of lesions was noted in 10% of patients treated with calcipotriol compared with 16.7% in those treated with coal tar after an average period of 6 ± 1.2 and 5 ± 1.3 weeks, respectively (P > 0.05).Conclusions  It was found that 0.005% calcipotriol ointment produced a faster initial response and had better cosmetic acceptability in patients, although after a long period of treatment, i.e. 12 weeks, 5% coal tar ointment had comparable efficacy. There was no statistically significant difference in the relapse rates between the two modalities.
Competition between Australian native and introduced grasses along a nutrient gradient
Authors: GROVES R. H. , AUSTIN M. P. , KAYE P. E. 
Published: October 2003

Abstract  Seven grass species were grown in monocultures and in multispecies mixtures along a gradient of total nutrient levels that ranged from 1/64 to 16× the normal level of nutrient solution. The seven grasses represented three ecological groups: (i) three perennial species native to Australia (Themeda triandra, Poa labillardieri and Danthonia carphoides); (ii) two introduced annuals (Vulpia bromoides and Hordeum leporinum); and (iii) two introduced perennials (Lolium perenne and Dactylis glomerata). We hypothesized that the native grasses would prove less competitive when grown at increased nutrient levels than those introduced from Europe. Results supported the hypothesis. The native species were unable to compete in mixtures even at the lowest nutrient level, where T. triandra was the most productive species in monoculture. Lolium perenne and Dactylis glomerata dominated mixtures at intermediate nutrient levels. The responses of the annual introduced grasses differed in that Vulpia bromoides showed an optimum at intermediate nutrient levels in both monoculture and in mixtures, whereas Hordeum leporinum dominated at the highest nutrient levels in mixture but was suppressed by V. bromoides, L. perenne and D. glomerata at intermediate levels. The results are discussed in terms of predicting species responses in mixtures from their performance in monocultures as well as in terms of previous observations on the sequential changes in botanical composition of south‐eastern Australian grasslands after 150 years of continuous grazing by sheep.
Ciliated band structure in planktotrophic and lecithotrophic larvae of Heliocidaris species (Echinodermata: Echinoidea): a demonstration of conservation and change
Authors: Byrne M. , Emlet R. B. , Cerra A. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe evolution of lecithotrophic (non‐feeding) development in sea urchins is associated with reduction or loss of structures found in the planktotrophic (feeding) echinopluteus larvae. Reductions or losses of larval feeding structures include pluteal arms, their supporting skeleton and the ciliated band that borders them. The barrel‐shaped lecithotrophic larva of Heliocidaris erythrogramma has, at its posterior end, two or three ciliated band segments comprised of densely packed, elongate cilia. These cilia may be expressions of the epaulettes that would have been present in an ancestral larval form, represented today by the feeding echinopluteus of H. tuberculata. We compared the development and cellular organization of the larval ciliary structures of both Heliocidaris species to assess whether the ciliary bands of H. erythrogramma are expressions of the feeding ciliated band or epaulettes of an echinopluteus. Epaulette development in feeding larvae of H. tuberculata involves separation of specific parts of the ciliated band from the rest of the feeding ciliated band, hyperplastic addition of ciliated cells and hypertrophic growth of the cilia. Like epaulettes, the ciliated bands of H. erythrogramma are composed of long spindle‐shaped cells arranged in a cup‐shaped collection that bulges into the blastocoel; and these cells have elongated cilia. In their developmental origin and topological arrangement however, the ciliated bands of H. erythrogramma correspond more closely with parts of the pluteal feeding ciliated band than with epaulettes. The larvae of this echinoid appear to develop epaulette‐like bands from parts of the original (but reduced) feeding ciliated band. The evolution of development in H. erythrogramma has thus involved both conservation and change in echinopluteal ciliary structures.
Ultrastructural and histochemical study of the salivary glands of Aplysia depilans (Mollusca, Opisthobranchia)
Authors: Lobo‐da‐Cunha Alexandre 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe digestive system of the sea hare, Aplysia depilans, includes a pair of ribbon‐shaped salivary glands. A central duct and a large blood vessel run close to each other along the length of these glands and both are surrounded by a layer of muscle cells. Three cell types form the glandular epithelium: granular cells, vacuolated cells and mucocytes. The granular cells possess cilia and spherical secretion granules, located primarily in the apical region. The granules of immature cells have a low electron density and are mainly formed by neutral polysaccharides with small amounts of proteins. The granules of mature cells are larger, have a high electron density and are mainly formed by proteins with lower amounts of neutral polysaccharides. Transition stages between immature and mature granular cells are observed. The vacuolated cells are large and frequently pyramidal in shape, but after the application of histochemical techniques almost all vacuoles remain uncoloured. The numerous vacuoles contain flocculent material in a clear background and the mitochondria possess large crystalline structures in the matrix. A pyramidal shape is also typical of the mucocytes, which are filled with vesicles containing granular masses surrounded by a network of secretion material. These large cells are strongly stained by Alcian blue, revealing the presence of acidic mucopolysaccharides. This is the first ultrastructural study of the salivary glands in opisthobranch gastropods.
Interspecific interactions between the native and introduced White‐eyes in the Bonin Islands
Authors: Kawakami Kazuto , Higuchi Hiroyoshi 
Published: October 2003

The impact of the introduced White‐eye Zosterops japonicus on the endemic White‐eye Apalopteron familiare was studied on Hahajima and Chichijima of the Bonin Islands. A. familiare preferred primary forests whereas Z. japonicus preferred open habitats, but their distribution greatly overlapped in secondary forests. The population density of A. familiare was stable whereas the Z. japonicus population had increased in number over the last 20 years, probably because of an increase in the area of open habitats. The data suggested that the population density of A. familiare had not been affected by the spreading Z. japonicus. The body weight of fledgling A. familiare was not affected significantly by the presence of Z. japonicus. Food items taken by A. familiare were similar to those of Z. japonicus. Where the species did not coexist, A. familiare foraged at all heights of the forest, but in the area of overlap, this species reduced its use of higher parts of the forest canopy where Z. japonicus foraged frequently. The food selection of A. familiare, however, did not change in the presence of Z. japonicus. This study detected almost no negative ecological relationship between Z. japonicus and A. familiare and suggests that competition is not a significant threat to either species. A. familiare may, if anything, benefit from Z. japonicus by forming a mixed‐species flock in the non‐breeding season.
Habitat requirements of the Seychelles Black Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone corvina: a re‐evaluation of translocation priorities
Authors: Currie D. , Bristol R. , Millett J. , Hill M. , Bristol U. , Parr S. J. , Shah N. J. 
Published: October 2003

The critically endangered Seychelles Black Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone corvina was once found on at least five of the inner (granitic) islands in the Seychelles archipelago, western Indian Ocean. Currently, it is only found on two islands, with c. 98% of the world population (c. 150–200 individuals) occurring on the 10‐km2 island of La Digue. Creation of additional island populations is therefore considered crucial in improving its conservation status. The presence of native broad‐leaved plateau forest in proximity to wetland areas is proposed as an important selection criterion when considering the suitability of other islands for translocation, due to the presumed importance of insect prey (dependent on water) in the diet. We quantified habitat use, territory composition, the effect of water on invertebrate abundance, and foraging and breeding success to determine the importance of native broad‐leaved woodland and wetland areas for Flycatchers. Flycatcher territories contained significantly more native broad‐leaved woodland (88%) than its availability on the plateau (43%); Flycatchers used native tree species significantly more for both foraging (81%) and nesting (95%) than their availability within territories (71%); and territory size varied inversely with the density of native broad‐leaved tree species. Native broad‐leaved forest was associated with semipermanent and permanent water bodies and availability of native forest habitat was a good predictor of territory distribution. The number of aerial insects trapped was higher close to water, but there was no effect of the proximity to water on the number of insects counted on foliage. The majority of identified prey species in adult diet were not dependent on water: Orthoptera and Lepidoptera were the most common prey groups, comprising 66% of identified prey items. There was no effect of proximity to water on foraging or breeding success (c. 35%): depredation was the major factor determining breeding success, and accounted for the majority of nest failures. The importance of wetland areas to Flycatchers therefore appears to have been over‐emphasized. The implications for translocation and conservation of the Flycatcher are discussed.
The social organization and breeding behaviour of the Yellow‐faced HoneyeaterLichenostomus chrysops– a migratory passerine from the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Clarke Michael F. , Schipper Clinton , Boulton Rebecca , Ewen John 
Published: October 2003

Southern Hemisphere passerines are generally thought to have long breeding seasons and high annual survivorship, but this may reflect a bias resulting from a disproportionate concentration on sedentary species. This study presents a detailed examination of the breeding biology and social organization of a migratory population of a passerine from the Southern Hemisphere – the Yellow‐faced HoneyeaterLichenostomus chrysops. It took place between 1997 and 2000 in the Coranderrk Reserve, Healesville, Australia. Following the birds’ return from migration, breeding commenced in mid‐November, roughly 2 months after arrival. The breeding season was short (3.5–4 months) compared with sedentary honeyeaters occupying the same habitat. Territories (0.19 ± 0.11 ha) were established by males but defended by both sexes against conspecific and heterospecific intruders. Within a breeding season, pairs were multibrooded (mean no. of clutches per season 2.14 ± 0.76, range 1–3) and always re‐nested within the same territory with the same partner. However, only 12.5% of pairs bred together in a subsequent breeding season despite, on many occasions, their partner from the previous season being alive (divorce rate of 75% for males and 66% for females). Females alone built the nest, incubated the eggs and brooded the nestlings. However, males contributed 44.5% of feeding visits to nestlings. The breeding cycle of Yellow‐faced Honeyeaters (clutch size 1–3 eggs, mean 2.4 ± 0.6,n = 84, incubation period 14.4 ± 0.7 days,n = 11, nestling period 13.0 ± 1.7 days,n = 6) was similar to that of sedentary honeyeaters (and Southern Hemisphere Corvidae in general), except that fledglings only remained on the parental territory for 2–3 weeks post‐fledging. At least one young fledged from 32.1% of nests (n = 156). Predation was the major cause of nest failure (74.5% of 106 failed nests). Only 4.4% of nestlings (n = 136) were observed on the study site in subsequent seasons (five males and one female). None of those males was observed on the study site until their second year of life. Adult annual survivorship (ignoring losses due to dispersal) was 43% for females and 51% for males. Our study suggests that if more data were available for the numerous migratory species from the Southern Hemisphere, some apparent differences from northern hemisphere passerines might disappear.
Pressure–temperature evolution of blueschist facies rocks from Sifnos, Greece, and implications for the exhumation of high‐pressure rocks in the Central Aegean
Authors: Schmädicke E. , Will T. M. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe blueschist and greenschist units on the island of Sifnos, Cyclades were affected by Eocene high‐pressure (HP) metamorphism. Using conventional geothermobarometry, the HP peak metamorphic stage was determined at 550–600 °C and 20 kbar, close to the blueschist and the eclogite facies transition. The retrograde P–T paths are inferred with phase diagrams. Pseudosections based on a quantitative petrogenetic grid in the model system Na2O–CaO–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O reveal coeval decompression and cooling for both the blueschist and the greenschist unit. The conditions of the metamorphic peak and those of the retrograde stages conform to a similar metamorphic gradient of 10–12 °C km−1 for both units. The retrograde overprint can be assigned to low‐pressure blueschist to HP greenschist facies conditions. This result cannot be reconciled with the (prograde) Barrovian‐type event, which affected parts of the Cyclades during the Oligocene to Miocene. Instead, the retrograde overprint is interpreted in terms of exhumation, directly after the HP stage, without a separate metamorphic event. Constraints on the exhumation mechanism are given by decompression‐cooling paths, which can be explained by exhumation in a fore‐arc setting during on‐going subduction and associated crustal shortening. Back‐arc extension is only responsible for the final stage of exhumation of the HP units.
Diagnostic Performance of Various QTc Interval Formulas in a Large Family with Long QT Syndrome Type 3: Bazett's Formula Not So Bad After All …
Authors: Brouwer Jan , Van Den Berg Maarten P. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Haaksma Jaap , Wilde Arthur A.M. 
Published: October 2003

Background: Recently, we identified a novel mutation of SCN5A (1795insD) in a large family with LQTS3. The aim of this study was to assess whether the various proposed corrections of the QT interval to heart rate help to improve the identification of carriers of the mutant gene. Methods: The study group consisted of 101 adult family members: 57 carriers and 44 noncarriers (mean age 44.6 ± 14.6 and 40.3 ± 12.8 years, respectively). In all individuals a 12‐lead ECG, exercise ECG, and 24‐hour Holter ECG were obtained. Results: Correction for heart rate significantly improved the diagnostic performance of the QT interval. Diagnostic performance of the Bazett formula was similar to that of the newer formulas (Fridericia, Hodges, Framingham, and a logarithmic formula). At a cut‐off value of 440 ms, the Bazett corrected QT interval was associated with a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 91%, respectively. Using the 24‐hour Holter ECG, a prolonged QTc at heart rates less than 60 beats/min was almost pathognomonic for genetic mutation (sensitivity and specificity both 99%), whereas the QTc calculated at the lowest heart rate using Bazett's formula provided full discrimination. Conclusion: In the present family, the resting ECG gave a good indication about the presence or absence of genetic mutation but a 24‐hour Holter recording was mandatory to ascertain the diagnosis. In the diagnosis of this form of LQTS3, Bazett's formula was at least as good as other proposed corrections of the QT interval to heart rate.