bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The combined effects of energy and disturbance on species richness in protist microcosms
Authors: Scholes Lianna , Warren Philip H. , Beckerman Andrew P. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe supply of energy, and the frequency of disturbance can both affect species diversity, often, although not always, producing unimodal diversity patterns along an energy or disturbance gradient. However, it has been suggested that diversity is a combined function of both factors, and the dynamic equilibrium model proposed by Huston (1979) is one formalization of this suggestion. This idea has received little direct testing. Here we carry out such a test using protist microcosms, in a factorial manipulation of six levels of energy (quantity of organic resource) and five levels of disturbance (frequency of temperature shock). Species richness responded to both energy supply and disturbance frequency, although not always unimodally. Patterns of response changed over time, and there was some evidence of an interaction between energy and disturbance at two of six time intervals. However, the specific form of this interaction differs from that predicted by the dynamic equilibrium model, and overall, the results provide little support for the model.
Species–energy relationship in the deep sea: a test using the Quaternary fossil record
Authors: Hunt Gene , Cronin Thomas M. , Roy Kaustuv 
Published: June 2005

AbstractLittle is known about the processes regulating species richness in deep‐sea communities. Here we take advantage of natural experiments involving climate change to test whether predictions of the species–energy hypothesis hold in the deep sea. In addition, we test for the relationship between temperature and species richness predicted by a recent model based on biochemical kinetics of metabolism. Using the deep‐sea fossil record of benthic foraminifera and statistical meta‐analyses of temperature‐richness and productivity‐richness relationships in 10 deep‐sea cores, we show that temperature but not productivity is a significant predictor of species richness over the past c. 130 000 years. Our results not only show that the temperature‐richness relationship in the deep‐sea is remarkably similar to that found in terrestrial and shallow marine habitats, but also that species richness tracks temperature change over geological time, at least on scales of c. 100 000 years. Thus, predicting biotic response to global climate change in the deep sea would require better understanding of how temperature regulates the occurrences and geographical ranges of species.
Outpatient hysteroscopy: traditional versus the ‘no‐touch’ technique
Authors: Sharma M. , Taylor A. , di Spiezio Sardo A. , Buck L. , Mastrogamvrakis G. , Kosmas I. , Tsirkas P. , Magos A. 
Published: June 2005

Objective  To assess whether outpatient hysteroscopy using the ‘no‐touch’ technique confers any advantages in terms of patient discomfort over the traditional technique.Design  Prospective randomised controlled study.Setting  Outpatient hysteroscopy clinic in a large university undergraduate teaching hospital.Population  All women referred for outpatient hysteroscopy in a 12‐month period.Interventions  Women were randomised to undergo either traditional saline hysteroscopy requiring the use of a speculum and tenaculum, or a ‘no‐touch’ vaginoscopic hysteroscopy which does not require a speculum or tenaculum. Each group was further subdivided to have hysteroscopy with either a 2.9‐mm or 4‐mm hysteroscope. Patients were asked to complete pre‐ and postprocedure questionnaires ranking pain scores.Main outcome measures  The relative success of each of these techniques, requirement for local anaesthetic and pain scores at different times during the hysteroscopy were recorded at the end of the procedure. The time taken to carry out each procedure was also measured.Results  One hundred and twenty women were recruited in this study: 60 were randomised to traditional hysteroscopy and 60 to ‘no‐touch’ hysteroscopy. The overall success rate for hysteroscopy was 99%. There was no significant difference in the requirement for local anaesthetic between the two groups, but those who underwent ‘no‐touch’ hysteroscopy with a 2.9‐mm hysteroscope had the lowest requirement of local anaesthetic (10% compared with 27% in the no‐touch hysteroscopy with a 4‐mm hysteroscope group). The time taken to perform hysteroscopy and biopsy was significantly shorter with ‘no‐touch’ hysteroscopy (5.9 vs 7.8 min; difference 1.9, 95% CI 0.7–3.1). There were no differences in pain scores between the groups at different times during hysteroscopy.Conclusions  ‘No‐touch’ or vaginoscopic hysteroscopy is significantly faster to perform than the traditional technique. Although there was no difference in pain scores between the two techniques, local anaesthetic requirements were least in those who underwent ‘no‐touch’ hysteroscopy with a narrow bore hysteroscope.
The arterial system in pre‐eclampsia and chronic hypertension with superimposed pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Hibbard Judith U. , Korcarz Claudia E. , Girardet Nendaz Genevieve , Lindheimer Marshall D. , Lang Roberto M. , Shroff Sanjeev G. 
Published: June 2005

Objectives  To determine if the normal gestational changes in mechanical properties of the arterial system are altered in pre‐eclampsia.Design  Prospective controlled observational study.Setting  University urban tertiary medical centre.Population  Eleven pre‐eclamptics and 10 chronic hypertensives with superimposed pre‐eclampsia were compared with 14 normotensive gravidas experiencing preterm labour, all receiving MgSO4. Two additional control groups were studied as well: (A) nine normal pregnant women receiving neither magnesium nor epidural, for baseline comparisons; and (B) eight normotensive gravidas receiving epidural anaesthesia.Methods  Two‐dimensional targeted M‐mode echocardiograms and continuous wave Doppler velocity were used to obtain instantaneous pressure and flow data. Total vascular resistance (TVR) quantified the steady component of systemic arterial load; pulsatile arterial load was characterised by global arterial compliance (AC), aortic input impedance spectrum (Z1) and characteristic impedance (Z0).Main outcome measures  TVR, AC, Z1, Z0.Results  Controls, pre‐eclamptics and chronic hypertensives with superimposed pre‐eclampsia, respectively: TVR index 1328 [299], 1973 [609]*, 2428 [562]*,# dyn second cm−5 m2; AC area index 1.69 [0.46], 1.19 [0.46]*, 0.93 [0.38]* mL mmHg−1 m−2; Z0 index 253.2 [61.3], 327.0 [135.1], 307.5 [130.9] dyn second cm−5 m2; and Z1 index 184.2 [56.5], 283.6 [81.6]*, 357.1 [119.5]* dyn second cm−5 m2 (*P < 0.05 vs control;#P < 0.05 vs pre‐eclampsia). Normal gravidas (in secondary controls group A) had decreased mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and increased AC and cardiac indices, compared with women receiving magnesium tocolysis, verifying the need for these primary controls. No differences were noted between normotensive gravidas receiving epidural anaesthesia (secondary controls group B) and the non‐anesthetised controls (group A), eliminating epidural as a confounder.Conclusions  The normal gestational changes in systemic arterial mechanical properties are significantly altered in pre‐eclampsia and these alterations are more marked with superimposed hypertensive disease.
Elevated levels of CRP in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: an unrecognised potential hazard?
Authors: Levin Ishai , Gamzu Ronni , Pauzner David , Rogowski Ori , Shapira Itzhak , Maslovitz Sharon , Almog Benny 
Published: June 2005

Objective  Elevated levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) were found recently to be a crucial marker for cardiovascular disease. This protein might have a role in endothelial cell activation, vascular damage and a thrombotic tendency. We sought to determine whether concentrations of CRP are altered in women with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) or hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).Design  A prospective cohort study.Setting  The gynecology department and IVF unit of the Lis maternity hospital.Population  Twenty women with OHSS, 20 women undergoing COH and 20 women who participated as controls were included in the study.Methods  Venous blood was withdrawn for analysis of high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) using the Boering BN‐II nephelometer.Main outcome measures  hs‐CRP levels were determined.Results  There was a significant (P < 0.05) difference in the hs‐CRP concentrations in women with OHSS compared with women with COH and controls. The respective values for hs‐CRP were 19.0 [4.0], 7.0 [1.7] and 4.6 [1.1] mg/L.Conclusions  Women with OHSS have elevated concentrations of hs‐CRP. This finding, previously believed to merely represent an acute phase response, may actually represent a yet unrecognised pathophysiological factor of this syndrome and pave the way for new investigational directions of this potentially hazardous condition.
Morbidity and development in childhood of infants born after temporising treatment of early onset pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Withagen M.I.J. , Wallenburg H.C.S. , Steegers E.A.P. , Hop W.C.J. , Visser W. 
Published: June 2005

Objective  To assess morbidity and development in childhood of infants born after temporising management of severe early onset pre‐eclampsia.Design  Cohort study with matched controls.Setting  University centre for high risk obstetrics.Samples  Three groups of neonates matched for gender and year of birth: one born after temporising treatment of severe early onset (<32 weeks) pre‐eclampsia with an average delay of delivery of two weeks (n= 193); one born at the duration of pregnancy [1 week] of the pre‐eclamptic mother on admission (control group I, n = 192); and one born at the same gestational age [1 week] as the infant of the pre‐eclamptic mother (control group II, n= 189).Method  Follow up at four years of age or more using medical records and questionnaires.Main outcome measures  The presence of various morbidities including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, motor skill problems, visual handicap, hearing loss, speech and language problems, education level and acute or chronic respiratory problems.Results  Median follow up of seven years (range 4–12) was achieved in 159 infants in the study group (83%), 122 in control group I (64%) and 110 in control group II (58%). Missing data analysis showed no differences in neonatal characteristics and morbidity between infants with and without follow up in the study group. All major and minor handicaps were less frequent in the study group than in control group I but statistical significance was reached only for acute and chronic respiratory disorders in the study group (13.8%) compared with control group I (27%).Conclusion  Average delay of delivery of two weeks with temporising management in severe early onset pre‐eclampsia is associated with a reduced risk of respiratory disorders in childhood.
An accurate automated blood pressure device for use in pregnancy and pre‐eclampsia: the Microlife 3BTO‐A
Authors: Reinders A , Cuckson A.C. , Lee J.T.M , Shennan A.H. 
Published: June 2005

Objective  To assess the accuracy of an automated blood pressure device (Microlife 3BTO‐A) in pregnancy and pre‐eclampsia according to the British Hypertension Society (BHS) protocol.Design  Prospective observational study.Setting  Antenatal ward and clinics at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.Population  One hundred and five pregnant women including 35 women with non‐proteinuric hypertension and 35 with pre‐eclampsia.Methods  Two trained observers took nine sequential same‐arm measurements from each woman. Measurements alternated between a mercury sphygmomanometer and the device.Main outcome measures  Grading criteria of the BHS protocol (A/B grade = pass; C/D grade = fail).Results  The device passed the BHS protocol by achieving an A/B grade. It also achieved criteria of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation for systolic and diastolic pressures respectively, in normotensive [−0.5 (5.7) mmHg; −0.07 (7.7) mmHg], non‐proteinuric hypertensive [−3.3 (6.9) mmHg; −2.4 (6.6) mmHg] and pre‐eclamptic pregnancy [−4.1 (6.4) mmHg; −1.3 (7.9) mmHg].Conclusion  The Microlife 3BTO‐A can be recommended for use in a pregnant population, including pre‐eclampsia, according to the BHS protocol.
Stress responses at birth: determinants of cord arterial cortisol and links with cortisol response in infancy
Authors: Miller N.M. , Fisk N.M. , Modi N. , Glover V. 
Published: June 2005

Objective  To investigate (A) the determinants of infant stress response at delivery and (B) test the hypothesis that stress at birth, as reflected by cord arterial cortisol, influences cortisol response to vaccination at two months.Design  Prospective observational study.Setting  Tertiary referral maternity hospital.Population  One hundred and seventy‐two primiparous women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies.Methods  Women were recruited antenatally. At birth, cord arterial blood and obstetric data were collected. Saliva was collected from infants immediately before and after vaccination at two months. Cortisol was analysed from cord blood and saliva by radio‐immunoassay.Main outcome measures  Stress response at birth, as demonstrated by cord arterial cortisol; association with saliva cortisol response to vaccination at two months.Results  Cord arterial cortisol varied with mode of delivery, combined spinal/epidural use and pH. Salivary cortisol response at two months correlated with cord arterial cortisol (r= 0.24, P < 0.05). Infants with the highest and lowest cord arterial cortisol had markedly different cortisol responses at two months (P= 0.017). These groups had different modes of delivery with caesarean rates of <8% in the high cortisol response group and 83% in the low cortisol response group (P < 0.0001).Conclusion  Babies born vaginally mount greater cortisol responses at birth than those delivered by caesarean section. Stress at delivery may influence the infant HPA axis response for up to two months.
Effects of Bt maize on Frankliniella tenuicornis and exposure of thrips predators to prey‐mediated Bt toxin
Authors: Obrist L.B. , Klein H. , Dutton A. , Bigler F. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractAs a part of a risk assessment procedure, the impact of Bt maize expressing Cry1Ab toxin on the thrips Frankliniella tenuicornis (Uzel) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) was investigated, and the potential risks for predators feeding on thrips on Bt maize were evaluated. The effects of Bt maize on F. tenuicornis were assessed by measuring life‐table parameters when reared on Bt and non‐Bt maize. The content of Cry1Ab toxin in different stages of F. tenuicornis reared on Bt maize and the persistence of the toxin in adults where determined in order to evaluate the possible exposure of predators when feeding on thrips. In addition, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) was used as a model predator to assess how the behaviour of prey and predator may influence the exposure of a natural enemy to the Bt toxin. Life‐table parameter results showed that F. tenuicornis was not affected when it was reared on Bt maize. This indicates that the potential for prey quality‐mediated effects on predators is low. Bt content was highest in thrips larvae and adults, and negligible in the non‐feeding prepupal and pupal stages. The persistence of the Cry1Ab toxin in adult F. tenuicornis was short, resulting in a decrease of 97% within the first 24 h. Predation success by young C. carnea larvae varied among the thrips stages, indicating that exposure of predators to Bt toxin can additionally depend on the prey stage. When combining the current knowledge of the susceptibility of major thrips predators with our findings showing no potential for prey quality‐mediated effects, relatively low toxin content in thrips as well as short persistence, it can be concluded that the risks for predators when feeding on thrips in or next to Bt maize fields are negligible.
Epidemiology of falls in elderly semi‐independent residents in residential care
Authors: Fisher Alex A , Davis Michael W , McLean Allan J , Le Couteur David G 
Published: June 2005

Objectives:  To determine the incidence and consequences of falls in elderly people living in hostels, and the role of comorbidity, orthostatic hypotension and medications as risk factors for falls. Methods:  Cross‐sectional prevalence and event association was studied in eight aged‐care hostels (Canberra, ACT, 1999) of 179 residents aged 65 years and older (83 ± 7 years (mean ± standard deviation), 80% women) independent in activities of daily living. History of falls and injuries on falling, comorbidity, medications and mobility data were obtained. Measurements of blood pressure and heart rate were made supine after waking from overnight sleep and after standing for 1 and 3 min. Results:  Forty‐three per cent of subjects had fallen in the last year (1.3 ± 2.6 falls per person per year) and 29% of these had sustained a fracture, 53% of fallers had recurrent falls. In multivariate analysis, four factors were associated independently with falling within a year: using a walking device, history of cancer, taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and cigarette smoking. For recurrent falls, cerebrovascular disease and using nitrates were also independent risk factors. In univariate analysis, reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase and potassium‐sparing diuretics were negatively associated with falls. There were no differences between fallers and non‐fallers in blood pressure in supine and standing positions, although one‐third of residents had orthostatic hypotension. Conclusions:  Falls in elderly hostel residents are common and often have serious consequences. Living in an institution is associated with an increased risk of fractures. The study identified several novel potential risk factors for falls in this population: using a walking device, history of falls, presence of cancer, presence of cerebrovascular disease, taking SSRIs, taking nitrates and cigarette smoking. These can be used to identify hostel residents at high risk of falling who can then be targeted for monitoring, specific treatment and prevention strategies.
Prevalence of skin disease among the elderly in different clinical environments
Authors: Smith Derek R , Leggat Peter A 
Published: June 2005

Although skin disease is a common and inevitable consequence of ageing, relatively few epidemiological studies have focused on the elderly demographic. Those that do exist are often difficult to find, while matching studies from numerous countries can easily become a daunting task for the busy clinician. Therefore, we undertook a comprehensive literature search for any manuscripts targeting elderly skin disease published in peer‐reviewed medical journals over the past 60 years. A total of 61 reports from 12 countries were eventually selected for inclusion. Among the community‐dwelling elderly, seborrheic keratosis, xerosis and Campbell de Morgan spots were shown to have the highest prevalence rates, affecting 88%, 85% and 75% respectively. These diseases also affected nursing home residents (seborrheic keratosis 85% and xerosis 77%), as did tinea unguium at 57%. Prevalence rates within the dermatology clinic were different, however, with none exceeding 25%. By subcategory, the most frequently presented conditions were actinic keratosis (25%), fungal infections (17%) and xerosis (14%). Overall, our review has shown that skin disease is very common among the elderly and its prevalence varies widely depending on the patients’ clinical environment. Considerable work remains to be undertaken regarding skin disease risk factors. With the projected exponential ageing of almost all industrialised societies throughout the 21st century, a greater commitment should now be directed towards this burgeoning subdiscipline of clinical medicine.
Palliative care in aged care facilities for residents with a non‐cancer disease: results of a survey of aged care facilities in South Australia
Authors: Grbich Carol , Maddocks Ian , Parker Deborah , Brown Margaret , Willis Eileen , Hofmeyer Anne , Piller Neil 
Published: June 2005

Objectives:  This study reports the results of a cross‐sectional study of residential aged care facilities in South Australia which sought to quantify the extent of specialist palliative care involvement in residential aged care facilities as well as identifying the current need for palliative care. Method:  A questionnaire was completed by 51 Directors of Care from 51 of 90 facilities targeted, representing a response rate of 57% and representing 20% of the total number of South Australian licensed beds. Facilities responding were representative of residential aged care facilities in South Australia for location, type of funding and level of care. Results:  Thirty facilities (59%) used specialist palliative care services during 2001 with the average number of residents consulted being four. There were 627 deaths recorded in the 2785 licensed beds, a death rate of 23%. The majority of these deaths were from non‐cancer diseases (83%) and up to two‐thirds of all deaths occurred away from low care facilities, usually in an acute care setting. Main reasons for transfer away from the facility were; an acute care episode requiring other expertise, rapid deterioration of the resident, care needs beyond the facility, or the general practitioner or family requested a transfer. Care Directors estimated that 7% of their current residents would be considered palliative and the majority of these had non‐cancer diseases (78%). Conclusion:  These findings indicate that palliative care is an important aspect of care in residential aged care facilities for clients with a non‐cancer diagnosis.
Characteristics of older dietary supplement users: review of the literature
Authors: Brownie Sonya 
Published: June 2005

Published literature reports rates of dietary supplement usage by individuals aged 60 years or more to be 16−60%. Prevalence figures are dependent on the population studied and the method of data collection. In general, older supplement users are female, Caucasian and well educated, with healthier lifestyle practices than non‐supplement users, and they are less likely to be overweight or to smoke. Neither income nor self‐rated health status are reliable predictors of supplement use in this group. In many cases older supplement users report higher intakes of several micronutrients from food than older non‐supplement users. Current patterns of supplement use by the older person reveal that although they consume a range of products, they do not supplement with nutrients that are of particular benefit to them. The supplements most commonly consumed by individuals aged 60 years and over are multivitamins and minerals, vitamin C and vitamin E preparations. There is insufficient data to quantify the dosage, frequency and duration of supplement use by the older population. Obtaining this information and data about herbal medicine use is an important step towards minimising the risk of drug–nutrient–herbal interactions. Identifying the health professionals who monitor the appropriateness and safety of supplement use in older individuals, particularly given the already high use of medication in this population, also needs to be a focus of future utilisation investigations. This systematic review of the literature published between 1982 and 2003 aims to measure the patterns of dietary supplement use by community‐living individuals aged 60 years and over and to profile the characteristics of older supplement users.