bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wing design and morphology of the harbor porpoise dorsal fin
Authors: Pavlov Vadim V. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe correlation between skin structure and hydrodynamic design of the dorsal fin of the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) was examined. For the study of fin morphology and geometry, a scheme of sampling representing a two‐parameter mesh on the fin surface was used. At each data point the thickness of the epidermis, papillary and subpapillary layers of the dermis, the ligamentous layer of the fin, as well as the angle formed by the direction of dermal ridges and the fin root chord were measured. On the basis of fin cross‐sections the three‐dimensional surface models of the fin in a 1 : 1 scale were created with a CAD program. The shape of the model was evaluated by the wing and hydrofoil parameters (angle of leading edge sweep, leading edge radius, maximum thickness of the fin cross‐section, and position of maximum thickness from the leading edge). Hydrodynamic performance of the fin cross‐sections was studied with a CFD program. Regional variability of the parameters of morphology was compared with spanwise variability of the parameters of cross‐sectional geometry. It was found that skin structure parameters correlate with the hydrodynamically relevant parameters of the fin and fin cross‐sections. Regularities of skin structure of the harbor porpoise dorsal fin are considered indirect evidence of the adaptation of porpoise skin to the fin flow. J. Morphol. 258:284–295, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dietary analysis confirms that Rickett's big‐footed bat (Myotis ricketti) is a piscivore
Authors: Ma Jie , Jones Gareth , Zhang Shuyi , Shen Junxian , Metzner Walter , Zhang Libiao , Liang Bing 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe diet of Myotis ricketti was examined by faecal analysis, and foraging behaviour was observed in the field. Scales from at least three species of small fish were found in the droppings, together with fragments of insects from six orders. This study demonstrates that M. ricketti is a fish‐eating bat. As with other trawling bats in the genus Myotis, M. ricketti emits short, broadband echolocation sounds. The sounds recorded from bats released from the hand swept downward from c. 70 to 28 kHz in 4 ms, and contained most energy at 41 kHz.
Melatonin secretion in a strictly subterranean mammal, the Damaraland mole‐rat (Cryptomys damarensis)
Authors: Richter T. A. , Malpaux B. , Fleming P. A. , Molteno A. J. , Bennett N. C. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractSubterranean mammals inhabit an environment that is normally devoid of light and are therefore deprived of photoperiodic information that can be used to time important life‐history events. An assessment was made of whether melatonin secretion in a strictly subterranean rodent, the Damaraland mole‐rat Cryptomys damarensis, can be modified by photoperiod. In experiment 1, a clear diurnal rhythm of melatonin secretion in animals housed under a neutral photoperiod (12L:12D) was observed, with significantly higher melatonin concentrations in the dark compared to the light phase. The same diurnal melatonin rhythm was found 1 day after animals were transferred to either continuous light or continuous dark, suggesting that a circadian rhythm was maintained under acute exposure to light and dark. In experiment 2, melatonin secretion was monitored in a long (14L:10D) and short day (10L:14D) photoperiod and was found to be modified by the photoperiodic change. We therefore suggest that the Damaraland mole‐rat possesses a circadian melatonin rhythm that can be physiologically modulated in response to photoperiod.
Imagery rehearsal in the treatment of posttraumatic nightmares in Australian veterans with chronic combat‐related PTSD: 12‐month follow‐up data
Authors: Forbes David , Phelps Andrea J. , McHugh Anthony F. , Debenham Paul , Hopwood Malcolm , Creamer Mark 
Published: October 2003

AbstractNightmares are often a distressing symptom for veterans with chronic combat‐related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A psychological treatment that has recently shown considerable promise is Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT). In a pilot study by the current authors, IRT was demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of posttraumatic nightmares in a group of combat veterans up to 3‐month posttreatment. This study reports the 12‐month follow‐up data of the pilot study, examining the longer term outcome of the IRT treatment. Twelve Australian Vietnam veterans with chronic combatrelated PTSD were treated with 6 once weekly sessions of imagery rehearsal and assessed using standardised measures of nightmare frequency and intensity, PTSD, depression, anxiety and broader symptomatology at intake, posttreatment, and 3‐and 12‐month follow‐up. Significant improvements in targeted nightmare frequency and intensity were evident to 12‐month posttreatment. Similarly, improvements in overall PTSD, depression, anxiety, and broader based symptomatology were also maintained to 12 months. This study provides preliminary evidence that the positive treatment effects of IRT on posttraumatic nightmares, PTSD, and broader symptomatology in males with chronic combat‐related PTSD are maintained in the longer term.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the armed forces: Health economic considerations
Authors: McCrone Paul , Knapp Martin , Cawkill Paul 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThis paper addresses the use of health economics in relation to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Armed Forces, with a view to assessing the feasibility of carrying out future evaluative studies. Although psychological and pharmacological interventions can be used to treat PTSD, no economic evaluations are known to exist. There is an economic burden associated with PTSD, and treatments require the use of scarce resources. Health economics provides tools (including cost‐effectiveness, cost‐benefit, and cost‐utility analyses) to ascertain the relative efficiency of different treatment options. The paper concludes that the quality of life and resource consequences of PTSD require a better understanding of the economics of the disorder and the alternative ways to treat it.
A preliminary examination of treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder in chronic pain patients: A case study
Authors: Shipherd Jillian C. , Beck J. Gayle , Hamblen Jessica L. , Lackner Jeffrey M. , Freeman Jennifer B. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractManualized treatments have become popular, despite concern about their use when comorbid diagnoses are present. In this report, the efficacy of manualized posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment was examined in the presence of chronic pain. Additionally, the effect of PTSD treatment on chronic pain and additional psychiatric diagnoses was explored. Six female patients with both PTSD and chronic pain following motor vehicle accidents were treated for PTSD using a multiple baseline design. The results indicate that manualized treatment for PTSD was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in these patients. Although there were no changes in subjective pain, there were pain‐related functional improvements and reductions in other psychiatric diagnoses for the majority of patients.
The Psychological Dimension of Informed Consent: Dissonance Processes in Genetic Testing
Authors: Grover Sonja 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThis paper discusses the issue of the psychological dimension of informed consent. In this paper, the author proposes that informed consent is a continuous variable rather than a dichotomous one. When clients better understand their motives and actual, rather than just perceived degree of choice in pursuing a particular option in a medical setting, their level of informed consent is greater. Findings from existing literature in the field of genetic testing are examined in terms of dissonance theory. These findings suggest that testing candidates sometimes overestimate their coping skills and minimize the threat to psychological integrity that a particular genetic result may pose. Counseling directed towards realistic appraisal of degree of choice in pursuing testing is examined as an aspect of supporting informed consent and possibly reducing the potential for adverse psychological outcome in the longer term.
Acellular dermal matrix allograft used to gain attached gingiva in a case of epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Buduneli Eralp , İlgenli Tunç , Buduneli Nurcan , Özdemir Fezal 
Published: October 2003

AbstractBackground: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an acquired disease or inherited as either autosomal dominant or recessive with an incidence of 1/50,000. The prominent clinical characteristic of the disease is the development of bullae or vesicles in mucosa or skin in response to minor trauma.Aim: A female patient with a dystrophic type of EB had been put in a maintenance regimen after completion of the initial phase of periodontal therapy and followed for 7 years. The purpose of this report is to document acellular dermal matrix allograft application to increase the width of the attached gingiva in this patient experiencing difficulty in chewing and performing plaque control due to the dramatic loss of attached gingiva after 7 years of supportive periodontal therapy.Methods: Under local anaesthesia and antibiotic coverage, the acellular dermal matrix allograft was applied in the anterior region of the upper jaw in order to increase the width of attached gingiva, thereby improving patient comfort.Results: The healing was uneventful and a significant gain in attached gingiva dimensions was observed 9 months after the periodontal surgery. The procedure avoided a second surgical site, provided satisfactory results from an aesthetic point of view, and improved patient comfort.Conclusion: Acellular dermal matrix allograft may be regarded as an alternative in the treatment of EB cases to increase the width of attached gingiva and facilitate maintenance of the dentition.
Multiple species of the dinophagous dinoflagellate genus Amoebophrya infect the same host species
Authors: Salomon Paulo S. , Janson Sven , Granéli Edna 
Published: October 2003

SummaryPopulations of the dinoflagellate Dinophysis norvegica in the Baltic Sea and in the adjacent North Sea are infected by the endoparasite Amoebophrya sp. The high diversity recently unveiled within the genus Amoebophrya brings uncertainty about their identities. We applied molecular biology techniques – 18S rDNA sequencing and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) – to compare this host–parasite system from both environments. The North Sea Amoebophrya sp. 18S rDNA sequence was 89% identical to the previously described Baltic Sea Amoebophrya sp. sequence, suggesting they are different species. In spite of that, a phylogenetical analysis placed the North Sea parasite sequence in a well‐supported cluster with other Amoebophrya sp. sequences. The D. norvegica 18S rDNA sequences from both environments were 100% identical, indicating that the hosts have not evolved independently. A DNA probe designed for the Baltic Sea Amoebophrya sp. 18S rRNA was used in FISH assays on infected D. norvegica populations from both environments. The probe stained all infected cells from the Baltic sample, whereas none from the North Sea were stained. The results indicate that D. norvegica is released from one parasite when entering the Baltic Sea, and become less infected by an alternative parasite species.
Targeting clusters of transferred genes in Thermotoga maritima
Authors: Nesbø Camilla L. , Doolittle W. Ford 
Published: October 2003

SummaryWe screened a Thermotoga sp. strain RQ2 lambda library for genes present in that strain but absent from the closely related completely sequenced relative Thermotoga maritima strain MSB8, by using probes generated in an earlier genomic subtraction study. Five lambda insert fragments were sequenced, containing, respectively, an archaeal type ATPase operon, rhamnose biosynthetic genes, ORFs with similarity to an arabinosidase, a Thermotoga sp. strain RQ2‐specific alcohol dehydrogenase and a novel archaeal Mut‐S homologue. All but one of these fragments contained additional Thermotoga sp. strain RQ2‐specific sequences not screened for, suggesting that many such strain‐specific genes will be found clustered in the genome. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses, phylogenetic distribution and/or G + C content suggests that all the Thermotoga sp. strain RQ2 specific sequences in the sequenced lambda clones have been acquired by lateral gene transfer. We suggest that the use of strain‐specific small insert clones obtained by subtractive hybridization to target larger inserts for sequencing is an efficient, economical way to identify environmentally (or clinically) relevant interstrain differences and novel gene clusters, and will be invaluable in comparative genomics.
Rheumatoid nodulosis: report of two cases
Authors: Gómez MT Bordel , Polo A Mariscal , Romero A Miranda , Gutiérrez J Vega , García G Martínez 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTWe present two patients with subcutaneous nodular lesions of several years’ duration. These lesions were well defined and painless and were located next to bony surfaces or in the pulps of fingers and elbows. No other symptoms were observed except for frequent attacks of palindromic rheumatism with no evidence of arthritis or systemic manifestations suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis. Other studies performed were normal with negative results for rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies. Radiographs of affected sites showed no signs of arthritis while the histopathologic study revealed some findings compatible with rheumatoid nodule. One of the patients also presented desquamate papular lesions at the level of elbows while histologically a process of transepidermal elimination of fibrinoid could be observed. Our patients fulfil all the diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid nodulosis as they present multiple rheumatoid nodules confirmed on biopsy, symptoms of palindromic rheumatism, no evidence of arthritis or radiological alterations and negative rheumatoid factor.
Assessment of information and education about topical corticosteroids in dermatology outpatient departments: experience from Turkey
Authors: Basak PY , Ozturk M , Baysal V 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTBackground  Topical corticosteroids are commonly used in dermatological practice. The aim of this study was to assess the baseline level of knowledge about topical steroids in a group of dermatology patients and to evaluate the impact of educational materials on patients’ level of information.Methods  A 10‐item questionnaire was developed, and 126 patients who were prescribed topical steroids for several dermatologic diseases were asked mostly about side‐effects of the drugs. Three different educational methods were used in parallel to the questionnaire: verbal (n = 42), written (n = 42) or verbal and written (n = 42). The same questions were asked again 1 or 2 weeks later.Results  Only 7.1% of the study group mentioned that they were informed by doctors about the side‐effects of topical steroids before they were administered. The baseline information scores about topical corticosteroids were higher in high school and college graduates and in those who noted side‐effects or who were informed about side‐effects before administration. A statistically significant difference was detected between pre‐ and posteducation scores of patients in the whole group and within the three groups of different educational methods (P < 0.001). Posteducation scores of the combined verbal‐ and written‐educated group were higher than the written‐educated group or the verbal‐educated group.Conclusion  The present study indicated that patient knowledge is enhanced by any kind of educational method, and particularly written information supported by verbal instructions given in dermatology outpatient departments. Moreover, we conclude that the 10‐item questionnaire can be used in Turkey to assess patients’ knowledge about topical corticosteroids.
Intertriginous lesions in pityriasis versicolor
Authors: Aljabre SHM 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTBackground  The well‐recognized sites of involvement in pityriasis versicolor are the upper part of the trunk, the neck and the upper arms. There is little documentation regarding pityriasis versicolor lesions in flexural areas.Objectives  To study the occurrence and morphology of lesions of pityriasis versicolor in flexural areas.Methods  One hundred and ten cases of pityriasis versicolor were studied. Sites of lesions and other clinical features were determined.Results  Flexural lesions in pityriasis versicolor were not uncommon. They were not correlated to age, sex, duration or relapses of the infection.Conclusion  Thorough inspection and examination of the skin by Wood's light before establishing treatment is prudent in cases of pityriasis versicolor located in typical sites.
Quality of Life While Dying: A Qualitative Study of Terminally Ill Older Men
Authors: Vig Elizabeth K. , Pearlman Robert A. 
Published: October 2003

Objectives: To characterize the experience of quality of life while dying from the perspective of terminally ill men.Design: Descriptive study involving semistructured interviews.Setting: Patients attending clinics at two university‐affiliated medical centers were interviewed in a private conference room or in their homes.Participants: Twenty‐six men identified by their physicians as having terminal heart disease or cancer. Eligible participants acknowledged that they had serious illness.Measurements: The interview contained open‐ended questions such as: “What are the most important things in your life right now?” The interview also contained closed‐ended questions about symptom intensity, presence of depressed mood, and other items related to overall quality of life. The open‐ended questions were tape‐recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded theory methods. The closed‐ended questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: Participants believed that death was near. Participants saw engaging in hobbies and other enjoyable activities as an alternative to moving into the final stage of illness, in which they saw themselves as actively dying. They admitted to occasionally ignoring prescribed diets; these actions improved their overall quality of life but worsened symptoms. New symptoms brought concerns about progression to active dying. They anticipated what their dying would be like and how it would affect others. Participants believed that their actions in the present could improve the quality of their dying and lessen the burden of their deaths on others. Many participants therefore were preparing for death by engaging in such tasks as putting their finances in order and planning their funerals, to relieve anticipated burden on loved ones.Conclusion: To help terminally ill patients plan for the end of life, clinicians are encouraged to become familiar with their patients' experiences of living with terminal illness, to identify each patient's unique priorities, and to incorporate that information into care plans aimed at maximizing quality of life at the end of life.
Self‐ and Informant Report of Financial Abilities in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: Reliable and Valid?
Authors: Wadley Virginia G. , Harrell Lindy E. , Marson Daniel C. 
Published: October 2003

Objectives: To evaluate the consistency, stability, and accuracy of reports by patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their caregivers regarding the patients' premorbid and current financial abilities.Design: Consistency of reports was assessed within patient/caregiver dyads and within control/control informant dyads. Stability of reports over a 1‐month interval was assessed for each group: patients with AD, caregivers, controls, and control informants. Accuracy of each group's reports was evaluated in reference to patients' and controls' performance on a direct psychometric measure of financial capacity.Setting: University medical center.Participants: Twenty patients with AD and 20 family caregivers; 23 controls and 23 family informants.Measurements: The Prior Financial Capacity Form (PFCF) and the Current Financial Capacity Form (CFCF) were used. Parallel versions assessed self‐report (patients, controls) and informant report (caregivers, control informants) at two visits 1 month apart. Patients with AD and controls were also administered the Financial Capacity Instrument (FCI), a direct assessment of the same abilities reported on the PFCF and CFCF.Results: Patients with AD reported that they had more‐intact current abilities than their caregivers reported. Patients with AD and their caregivers showed lower levels of stability over time on the PFCF and CFCF than did controls and their informants. Half of the patients with AD overestimated their current abilities relative to their FCI performance, whereas caregivers demonstrated both underestimation and overestimation errors. Controls and informants evidenced high levels of consistency, stability, and accuracy in PFCF and CFCF ratings.Conclusion: Patients with AD overestimate their financial abilities in comparison with the reports of their family caregivers. Both patients and caregivers' reports of patients' financial abilities showed limited stability and validity. The reliability and accuracy of self‐ and informant reports of financial abilities may be compromised in the context of dementia and caregiving, underscoring the need for direct assessment methods to augment self‐ and informant report in assessing functional decline in dementia.
Sarcopenia: Alternative Definitions and Associations with Lower Extremity Function
Authors: Newman Anne B. , Kupelian Varant , Visser Marjolein , Simonsick Eleanor , Goodpaster Bret , Nevitt Michael , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Tylavsky Frances A. , Rubin Susan M. , Harris Tamara B. ,   on behalf of the Health ABC Study Investigators
Published: October 2003

Objectives: To compare two sarcopenia definitions and examine the relationship between them and lower extrem‐ity function and other health related factors using data from the baseline examination of the Health Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study.Design: Observational cohort study.Setting: Two U.S. communities in Memphis, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Participants: Participants were aged 70 to 79 (N=2,984, 52% women, 41% black).Measurements: Participants were assessed using dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry and were classified as sarcopenic using two different approaches to adjust lean mass for body size: appendicular lean mass divided by height‐squared (aLM/ht2) and appendicular lean mass adjusted for height and body fat mass (residuals).Results: These methods differed substantially in the classification of individuals as being sarcopenic, especially those who were more obese. The former method was highly correlated with body mass index and identified fewer overweight or obese individuals as sarcopenic. In both men and women, none of the obese group would be considered sarcopenic using the aLM/ht2 method, compared with 11.5% of men and 21.0% of women using the residuals method. In men, both classifications of sarcopenia were associated with smoking, poorer health, lower activity, and impaired lower extremity function. Fewer associations with health factors were noted in women, but the classification based on both height and fat mass was more strongly associated with lower extremity functional limitations (odds ratio (OR)=0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.7–1.2 for low kg/ht2; OR=1.9, 95% CI=1.4–2.5 for lean mass adjusted for height and fat mass).Conclusion: These findings suggest that fat mass should be considered in estimating prevalence of sarcopenia in women and in overweight or obese individuals.