bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Warfarin and aspirin as thromboprophylaxis in atrial fibrillation
Authors: LIP G. Y. H. , LOWE G. D. O. 
Published: November 2003

1Anticoagulant therapy with warfarin is now established as effective thromboprophylaxis against stroke in atrial fibrillation, in high‐risk persons. Aspirin is indicated in moderate‐risk persons or if warfarin is contraindicated. 2Risk stratification is suggested, using clinical factors supplemented by echocardiography, to aid choice of prophylaxis. 3Further studies are required to establish how best to identify undiagnosed patients who have atrial fibrillation; to develop new therapeutic strategies; and to refine risk stratification to define which patients with atrial fibrillation are at the highest risk of stroke.
A comparison of the effects of fluvastatin and bezafibrate on exercise metabolism: a placebo‐controlled study in healthy normolipidaemic subjects
Authors: EAGLES C. J. , KENDALL M. J. , MAXWELL S. 
Published: November 2003

1We have examined the interaction between aerobic exercise and lipid‐lowering drugs in a crossover study of 16 healthy normolipidaemic volunteers who each received 21 days' treatment with bezafibrate (400 mg), fluvastatin (40 mg), and placebo, in random order. 2Fluvastatin treatment reduced pre‐exercise total cholesterol (TC) by 23% (P <0.0001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) by 33% (P<0.0001), and plasma triglycerides by 11%, compared with pre‐treatment values. Bezafibrate reduced TC by 11% (P<0.01); LDL‐C by 9%; and plasma triglycerides by 40% (P<0.01), compared with pre‐treatment values. 3During exercise, in comparison with placebo, and fluvastatin treatment, respectively, bezafibrate significantly reduced mean fat oxidation: 31%vs 39%, P=0.035, 31%vs 39%, P=0.002, plasma free fatty acid (FFA) availability, e.g. after 90 min of exercise: (t90) 520 vs 662 μmol l−1, P=0.054, 520 vs 725 μmol l−1, P=0.016, and plasma levels of glycerol (t90): 59 vs 74 μmol l−1, P=0.037, 59 vs 73 μmol l−1, P=0.016. Fluvastatin had no impact on fat metabolism in comparison with placebo. 4Reduced plasma FFA concentration and lower fat oxidation during prolonged exercise on bezafibrate treatment may be due to an inhibition of hepatic acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase, resulting in reduced FFA release from adipose tissue. 5The possibility that impaired fat metabolism on fibrates could induce premature fatigue during exercise of moderate duration and intensity should be examined in hyperlipidaemic patients.
Genetic structure of the forest herb Primula elatior in a changing landscape
Authors: Jacquemyn Hans , Honnay Olivier , Galbusera Peter , Roldán‐Ruiz Isabel 
Published: December 2003

AbstractTo investigate whether changes in land use and associated forest patch turnover affected genetic diversity and structure of the forest herb Primula elatior, historical data on landscape changes were combined with a population genetic analysis using dominant amplified fragment length polymorphism markers. Based on nine topographic maps, landscape history was reconstructed and forest patches were assigned to two age classes: young (less than 35 years) and old (more than 35 years). The level of differentiation among Primula populations in recently established patches was compared with the level of differentiation among populations in older patches. Genetic diversity was independent of population size (P > 0.05). Most genetic variation was present within populations. Within‐population diversity levels tended to be higher for populations located in older forests compared with those for populations located in young forests (Hj = 0.297 and 0.285, respectively). Total gene diversity was also higher for old than for young populations (Ht = 0.2987 and 0.2828, respectively). The global fixation index FST averaged over loci was low, but significant. Populations in older patches were significantly more differentiated from each other than were populations in recently established patches and they showed significant isolation by distance. In contrast, no significant correlations between pairwise geographical distance and FST were found for populations in recently established patches. The location of young and old populations in the studied system and altered gene flow because of increased population density and decreased inter‐patch distances between extant populations may explain the observed lower genetic differentiation in the younger populations. This study exemplifies the importance of incorporating data on historical landscape changes in population genetic research at the landscape scale.
The genetic pattern of population threat and loss: a case study of butterflies
Authors: Schmitt T. , Hewitt G. M. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractRecent decreases in biodiversity in Europe are commonly thought to be due to land use and climate change. However, the genetic diversity of populations is also seen as one essential factor for their fitness. Genetic diversity in species across the continent of Europe has been recognized as being in part a consequence of ice age isolation in southern refugia and postglacial colonization northwards, and these phylogeographical patterns may themselves affect the adaptability of populations. Recent work on butterfly species with different refugia, colonization paths and genetic structures allows this idea to be examined. The ‘chalk‐hill blue’ pattern is one of decreasing genetic diversity from south to north, whereas the ‘woodland ringlet’ pattern shows greater genetic diversity in eastern than in western lineages. Comparison of population demographic trends in species with these biogeographical patterns reveals higher rates of decrease with lower genetic diversity. This indicates reduced adaptability due to genetic impoverishment as a result of glacial and postglacial range changes. Analysis of phylogeographical pattern may be a useful guide to interpreting demographic trends and in conservation planning.
Toward a New Sexual Selection Paradigm: Polyandry, Conflict and Incompatibility (Invited Article)
Authors: Zeh Jeanne A. , Zeh David W. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractDarwin's recognition that male–male competition and female choice could favor the evolution of exaggerated male traits detrimental to survival set the stage for more than a century of theoretical and empirical work on sexual selection. While this Darwinian paradigm represents one of the most profound insights in biology, its preoccupation with sexual selection as a directional evolutionary force acting on males has diverted attention away from the selective processes acting on females. Our understanding of female reproduction has been further confounded by discreet female mating tactics that have perpetuated the illusion of the monogamous female and masked the potential for conflict between the sexes. With advances in molecular techniques leading to the discovery that polyandry is a pervasive mating strategy, recognition of these shortcomings has brought the study of sexual selection to its current state of flux. In this paper, we suggest that progress in two key areas is critical to formulation of a more inclusive, sexual selection paradigm that adequately incorporates selection from the female perspective. First, we need to develop a better understanding of male × female and maternal × paternal genome interactions and the role that polyandry plays in providing females with non‐additive genetic benefits such as incompatibility avoidance. Consideration of these interaction effects influencing natural selection on females is important because they can complicate and even undermine directional sexual selection on males. Secondly, because antagonistic coevolution maintains a balance between opposing sides that obscures the conflict itself, many more experimental evolution studies and interventionist investigations (e.g. gene knockouts) are needed to tease apart male manipulative adaptations and female counter‐adaptations. It seems evident that the divisiveness and controversy that has plagued sexual selection theory since Darwin first proposed the idea has often stalled progress in this important field of evolutionary biology. What is now needed is a more pluralistic and integrative approach that considers natural as well as sexual selection acting on females, incorporates multiple sexual selection mechanisms, and exploits advances in physiology and molecular biology to understand the mechanisms through which males and females achieve reproductive success.
Effect of Daily Body Mass Variation on the Foraging Behaviour of Tit Species (Parus spp.)
Authors: Barluenga Marta , Barbosa Andrés , Moreno Eulalia 
Published: December 2003

AbstractWe studied the effect of daily body mass increase on the foraging preferences of two tit species, crested tit, Parus cristatus and blue tit, P. caeruleus, contrasting in morphology and behaviour. We found that both species show a diurnal increase in body mass during winter. Using an experiment with feeders we show that in the crested tit, the proportion of time spent foraging while hanging decreased as body mass increased. In contrast, in the blue tit, foraging behaviour did not change with mass gain. We propose that the species with a morphological design providing a high ecological plasticity in terms of foraging postures can counteract the negative effect of body mass on the ecological options (foraging niche) more than species with a morphological design providing a low ecological plasticity in terms of foraging postures. Our results suggest that blue tits had the advantage of being able to choose to feed on different patches in the habitat throughout the day, which makes resources more predictable for them. In contrast, crested tits might be more restricted in their foraging options as their body mass increases, and this might explain why they hoard food.
Disseminated trichosporonosis in China
Authors: Yang R. , Ao J. , Wang W. , Song K. , Li R. , Wang D. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryA 20‐year‐old female patient presented with erythematous plaques on the nose which were progressively spreading to the trunk and the extremities, sometimes with erosions and scars. The patient was misdiagnosed as having seborrhoeic dermatitis and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The histopathological biopsy revealed mycotic infectious granuloma. Samples taken from skin lesions and other locations grew Trichosporon asahii in cultures. The identification was confirmed by molecular biological methods. The patient was treated successfully with liposomal amphotericin B in combination with fluconazole orally.
Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) activity in urine of patients with glomerulonephritis is related to their renal functional and structural changes
Authors: DOMINGUEZ  , COSTA RS , DANTAS M , KIMACHI T , PIUCI CR 
Published: November 2003

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) has been considered the principal cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. In the present study, we evaluated TGF‐β activity in occasional samples from 22 normal individuals and 29 patients (11 with focal glomerulosclerosis, 11 with membranous nephropathy, five with Berger disease, one with type I membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and one with postinfectious glomerulonephritis) using a CCL‐64 mink lung cell growth inhibition assay.A significantly increased urinary TGF‐β activity (reported in relation to urine creatinine, Ucreat. and median) was observed in patients with glomerulonephritis compared with normal individuals (P<0.01). The patients with Berger disease [median (Md)=9.96/10 μg Ucreat.], membranous glomerulonephritis (Md=7.23/10 μg Ucreat.) and focal glomerulosclerosis (Md=16.6/10 μg Ucreat.) showed higher urinary TGF‐β than normal individuals (Md=1.09/10 μg Ucreat.) (P<0.01). We found a positive correlation between the TGF‐β activity in the urine of these patients and the incidence of segmental glomerulosclerosis (r=0.45, P<0.05) and their plasma creatinine levels (r=0.87, P<0.01). A negative correlation was observed between the TGF‐β activity in the urine of these patients and their creatinine clearance (r=−0.75, P<0.01).Our data suggest that measurement of urinary TGF‐β activity could be a useful non‐invasive procedure for the evaluation of renal TGF‐β production, permitting the assessment of prognosis and the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in patients with renal disease.
Comparison of Epidural Depo‐Medrol vs. Aqueous Betamethasone in Patients with Low Back Pain
Authors: Noe Carl E. , Haynsworth Robert F. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract:  Despite the popularity of epidural steroid injections for low back pain, there still remains a lack of consensus on which type of steroid to inject. Most comparison studies regarding epidural steroids are based on an assumption that different types of steroids are equal as long as equipotent doses are utilized.In the spring of 2002, a national shortage of all depo steroids allowed the authors to compare epidural methylprednisolone (Depo‐Medrol) to a non depo form of betamethasone in patients with low back pain. Patients who received epidural methylprednisolone (Depo‐Medrol) reported significant reduction in pain ratings as well as disability scores after 4 weeks, while patients receiving betamethasone showed no significant difference in pain or disability scores.This study shows that the aqueous steroid betamethasone is not an effective alternative to the commonly used depo‐steroid methylprednisolone (Depo‐Medrol) when injected epidurally in patients with lumbar pain. The study also shows that the anti‐inflammatory effect of a depo‐steroid can be greater than a non‐depo steroid, even at equipotent doses. This should be an important factor to consider when reviewing epidural steroid outcome studies, where the type of steroid might affect results as much as other variables such as route of administration, volume of injectate, or use of fluoroscopy.
Sharp Versus Blunt Needle: A Comparative Study of Penetration of Internal Structures and Bleeding in Dogs
Authors: Heavner James E. , Racz Gabor B. , Jenigiri Bharat , Lehman Travis , Day Miles R. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract:Background and Objectives:  Complications associated with interventional pain procedures have raised questions regarding the relative safety of sharp vs. blunt needles. It has been speculated that the incidence of hemorrhage, intraneural and/or intravascular injections may be reduced by the use of blunt needles. In this study we compared penetration and bleeding associated with sharp vs. blunt needle punctures.Methods:  Attempts were made to insert blunt and sharp needles (18‐, 20‐, 22‐, and 25‐gauge) directly or percutaneously into kidney, liver, renal artery, intestine or spinal nerve/nerve root of anesthetized dogs. Penetration and bleeding were ascertained by direct vision through a surgical wound.Results:  All attempts to directly puncture the kidney and liver with sharp needles were successful. All but one attempt to puncture a spinal nerve/nerve root with 20‐, 22‐, and 25‐gauge sharp needles were successful but half or less attempts to puncture the intestines were successful. All attempts to puncture the renal artery with sharp needles were successful. Blunt needles never punctured the renal artery, spinal nerve/nerve root and intestines and rarely penetrated the kidney (22‐ and 25‐gauge one time each). All attempts to puncture the liver with blunt needles were successful. Bleeding scores for kidney punctures were generally higher for larger sharp needles than for smaller ones. Bleeding scores for blunt needle punctures of the liver were generally smaller than for sharp needle puncture.Conclusion:  Blunt needles are less likely than sharp ones to enter vital structures and/or produce hemorrhage. Thus, blunt needles may be preferable to sharp ones for performing interventional pain procedures.
English in Colombia: a sociolinguistic profile
Authors: Velez–Rendon Gloria 
Published: December 2003

This paper intends to make a contribution to the study of the spread of the English language in Colombia. To characterize this social and cultural context, I draw a sociolinguistic profile following the framework provided by Berns (1990, 1992). Although English has no official status in Colombia and its functional range is still restricted, it has expanded at a pace not experienced before. There is a growing consensus that English has a role to play in Colombia's social and economical advancement in the international arena. This is evidenced in the educational policies and programs contributing to securing a prominent position for English in the national curriculum as well as in the unprecedented boom of the English language teaching industry.The paper begins by providing an overview of Colombia and its linguistic makeup, briefly tracing the presence of the English language from the eighteenth century to date. Then it goes on to characterize the users and uses of English documenting how the interpersonal, instrumental, and creative/innovative functions are manifested in this particular setting. Next, the paper describes the attitudinal range towards the English language, its speakers, and its study as well as the process of borrowing, adaptation, and innovation. It concludes by highlighting the need for additional research to further define this particular socio–cultural milieu of learning and use of English. It is argued that further research has a central role in informing the determination of relevant and appropriate models for language teaching in Colombia.
Health Risk Assessment After Decontamination of the Beaches Polluted by the Wrecked ERIKA Tanker
Authors: Dor Frédéric , Bonnard Roseline , Gourier‐Fréry Claire , Cicolella André , Dujardin Roland , Zmirou Denis 
Published: December 2003

Following the wreck of the oil tanker ERIKA off the north‐west coast of France in December 1999, cleaning up of the beaches involved considerable work, which in any case could not be perfect. This raised the question of the short‐ and long‐term health risks for the future bathers related to the toxicity of the remaining oil polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This risk assessment study was conducted to help health authorities plan risk management policies and inform the public. Thirty‐six beaches were selected, representing a sample of the most frequently encountered topographic and beach usage situations; seven “control” beaches, unspoiled by ERIKA, were also investigated. Samples of water and sand were taken from each site, as well as from the surface of rocks. The 16 PAHs selected by the U.S. EPA were quantified in each environment. Several scenarios of exposure were contemplated: (1) a child between 2 and 4 years accidentally ingesting a small ball of fuel, (2) a child daily exposed throughout his holiday‐time stay, (3) an adult (including a pregnant woman) spending his/her holidays on the coast, (4) an adult working on the beach, (5) and an adult practicing water sports. Among the available and significant toxicological values, the most conservative ones were selected for computing risks.The sand and water, after decontamination, were slightly polluted (respectively, 7.8 μg/kg and 23.3 ng/l of total 16 PAHs), with values similar to those found in the control beaches. By contrast, the rocky areas in some places were still highly polluted (up to 23 mg/kg on the surface layer).No lethal risk was found for a young child who had accidentally ingested a small ball of fuel. The life‐long excess risks for skin cancer and for all other cancers were about 10−5 in scenarios including contact with the polluted rocks. In all other cases, excess risks were considerably lower. The hazard quotient for teratogenic effects was very small, except in scenarios where pregnant women would walk among rocks containing high pollution levels.In conclusion, exposure was mainly associated with polluted water among children, and with spoiled rocks for adults. Despite uncertainties, mainly dealing with the prediction of long‐term risks following a short‐term exposure, this study showed that beaches where pollution was no longer visible after decontamination did not entail any significant health risks and could be opened to the public.
Probabilistic Framework for the Estimation of the Adult and Child Toxicokinetic Intraspecies Uncertainty Factors
Authors: Pelekis Michael , Nicolich Mark J. , Gauthier Joseph S. 
Published: December 2003

Human health risk assessments use point values to develop risk estimates and thus impart a deterministic character to risk, which, by definition, is a probability phenomenon. The risk estimates are calculated based on individuals and then, using uncertainty factors (UFs), are extrapolated to the population that is characterized by variability. Regulatory agencies have recommended the quantification of the impact of variability in risk assessments through the application of probabilistic methods.In the present study, a framework that deals with the quantitative analysis of uncertainty (U) and variability (V) in target tissue dose in the population was developed by applying probabilistic analysis to physiologically‐based toxicokinetic models. The mechanistic parameters that determine kinetics were described with probability density functions (PDFs). Since each PDF depicts the frequency of occurrence of all expected values of each parameter in the population, the combined effects of multiple sources of U/V were accounted for in the estimated distribution of tissue dose in the population, and a unified (adult and child) intraspecies toxicokinetic uncertainty factor UFH‐TK was determined.The results show that the proposed framework accounts effectively for U/V in population toxicokinetics. The ratio of the 95th percentile to the 50th percentile of the annual average concentration of the chemical at the target tissue organ (i.e., the UFH‐TK) varies with age. The ratio is equivalent to a unified intraspecies toxicokinetic UF, and it is one of the UFs by which the NOAEL can be divided to obtain the RfC/RfD. The 10‐fold intraspecies UF is intended to account for uncertainty and variability in toxicokinetics (3.2×) and toxicodynamics (3.2×). This article deals exclusively with toxicokinetic component of UF.The framework provides an alternative to the default methodology and is advantageous in that the evaluation of toxicokinetic variability is based on the distribution of the effective target tissue dose, rather than applied dose. It allows for the replacement of the default adult and children intraspecies UF with toxicokinetic data‐derived values and provides accurate chemical‐specific estimates for their magnitude. It shows that proper application of probability and toxicokinetic theories can reduce uncertainties when establishing exposure limits for specific compounds and provide better assurance that established limits are adequately protective. It contributes to the development of a probabilistic noncancer risk assessment framework and will ultimately lead to the unification of cancer and noncancer risk assessment methodologies.
Scottish Higher Education and the FE‐HE Nexus
Authors: Morgan‐Klein Brenda 
Published: December 2003

AbstractOver half of Scottish higher education entrants in 2000/01 began their studies in further education. This reflects the growing diversity of higher education in Scotland as a result of institutional change and trends in policy and practice. While these changes have been constructed positively as contributing to the accessibility of Scottish higher education, clear differences between HE provision in the two sectors and sectoral differentiation in patterns of participation have given rise to two relatively disconnected systems of higher education. The emergence of parallel systems may conceal new patterns of inequality, giving rise to a new learning divide.