bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Origin and Chemical Coding of Primary Afferent Neurones Supplying the Prostate of the Dog
Authors: Arciszewski M. B. , Zacharko A. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryRetrograde tracing technique combined with the double‐fluorescent immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the distribution and chemical coding of primary afferent neurones supplying the canine prostate. After the injection of Fast Blue (FB) into the prostatic tissue retrogradely‐labelled (FB+) primary afferent neurones were localized in bilateral L1–Ca1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Statistical analysis using anova test showed that there are two major sources of afferent prostate innervation. The vast majority of prostate‐supplying primary afferent neurones were located in bilateral L2–L4 DRG (56.9 ± 0.6%). The second source of the afferent innervation of canine prostate were bilateral S1–Ca1 DRG (40.6 ± 1.0%). No statistically significant differences were found between average number of FB+ neurones localized in the left and right DRG (49.5 ± 1.7 and 50.5 ± 1.7%, respectively). Immunohistochemistry revealed that FB+ primary afferent neurones contain several neuropeptides in various combinations. In the prostate‐supplying neurones of lumbar and sacro‐caudal DRG the immunoreactivity to substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) was found most frequently (50 ± 3.7 and 37.3 ± 1.9%, respectively). Both in the lumbar and sacro‐caudal DRG, considerable population of FB+ neurones immunoreactive neither to SP nor CGRP were also found (23 ± 2.6 and 32.8 ± 2.3%, respectively). In the lumbar DRG 10.7 ± 1.1% of SP‐immunoreactive FB+ neurones also contained galanin (GAL). In 9.2 ± 2.2% of the prostate‐supplying primary afferent neurones located in the sacro‐caudal DRG the co‐localization of SP and GAL was also reported. Results of the retrograde tracing experiment demonstrated for the first time sources of afferent innervation of the canine prostate. Double immunohistochemistry revealed that many of the prostate‐supplying primary afferent neurones express some of sensory neuropeptides which presumably may be involved in nociception and some pathological processes like inflammation or nerve injury.
Selective Defecation and Selective Foraging: Antiparasite Behavior in Wild Ungulates?
Authors: Ezenwa Vanessa O. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSelective defecation and selective foraging are two potential antiparasite behaviors used by grazing ungulates to reduce infection by fecal–oral transmitted parasites. While there is some evidence that domestic species use these strategies, less is known about the occurrence and efficacy of these behaviors in wild ungulates. In this study, I examined whether wild antelope use selective defecation and selective foraging strategies to reduce exposure to gastrointestinal nematode parasites. By quantifying parasite levels in the environment in relation to the defecation patterns of three species, dik‐dik (Madoqua kirkii), Grant's gazelle (Gazella granti), and impala (Aepyceros melampus), I found that nematode larval concentrations in pasture were higher in the vicinity of clusters of feces (dung middens) compared to single fecal pellet groups or dung‐free areas. In addition, experimental feeding trials in free‐ranging dik‐dik showed that individuals selectively avoided feeding near concentrations of feces. Given that increased parasite contamination was found in the immediate vicinity of fecal clusters, fecal avoidance could help reduce host consumption of parasites and may therefore be an effective antiparasite behavior for certain species. On the other hand, while the concentration of parasite larvae in the vicinity of middens coupled with host avoidance of these areas during grazing could reduce host contact with parasites, results showing a positive correlation between the number of middens in a habitat and larval abundance at control sites suggest that dung middens might increase and not decrease overall host exposure to parasites. If this is the case, dung midden formation may not be a viable antiparasite strategy.
Cultural Evolution of Puget Sound White‐Crowned Sparrow Song Dialects
Authors: Nelson Douglas A. , Hallberg Karen I. , Soha Jill A. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe songs of male Puget Sound white‐crowned sparrows currently form about 12 dialects along the Pacific Northwest coast. In his survey of 1970, Baptista (Condor1977; 79: 356–370) defined six of the dialects based on the song's terminal trill because most males at each locality shared the simple syllables (SSs) in this trill. The complex syllables (CSs) in the song's introduction varied among males at a locality, and were often shared among localities. From 1997 to 2004 we revisited nine of the sites Baptista studied to determine whether the SSs and CSs had changed over the 30‐yr interval. Using Baptista's catalogs of SS and CS types as bases for comparison, we found that the relative proportions of CS types changed significantly more over time than did the proportions of SS types. These results suggest that SSs and CSs evolve independently. Observations were also made on the developmental mechanisms that either produce diversity or maintain uniformity in song phrases. In a survey of 670 field‐recorded songs, unique improvizations occurred significantly more often in CSs than in SSs. In a laboratory experiment using hand‐reared males and multiple song tutors, males were significantly more accurate in imitating SSs than CSs. In choosing their final song to keep from their overproduced repertoire, yearling males tended to retain the song type that matched the SSs in the song played back to them. We conclude by discussing how differences in the functions served by these two song phrases may have led to their different rates of cultural evolution.
Indices of Drought Tolerance in Wheat Genotypes at Early Stages of Plant Growth
Authors: Dhanda S. S. , Sethi G. S. , Behl R. K. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThirty diverse genotypes of bread wheat were evaluated for seed vigour index, germination percentage, root length, shoot length, root‐to‐shoot length ratio, coleoptile length and osmotic membrane stability under laboratory conditions. Considerable variation was observed for all the characters. Discrimination among the genotypes on the basis of mean values was better under normal than under moisture stress conditions, indicating suppression of variability under moisture stress conditions. Comparison of mean performance under normal and osmotic stress conditions indicated that the seed vigour index was the most sensitive trait, followed by shoot length, germination percentage and root length. The root‐to‐shoot length ratio, however, increased under osmotic stress. The magnitude of genetic components of variance and heritability were, in general, lower under osmotic stress than under normal conditions. All the characters except germination percentage, shoot length and coleoptile length showed considerable genetic variability. Heritability in the broad sense was also moderate to high for all the characters under both environments. Due to high heritability and genetic advance great benefit from selection can be expected for the osmotic membrane stability of leaf segments and root‐to‐shoot length ratio. Moderate progress can be expected from root length and seed vigour index. Correlation studies indicated that the osmotic membrane stability of the leaf segment was the most important trait, followed by root‐to‐shoot ratio and root length on the basis of their relationships with other traits.
Influence of dietary lipid source and strain on fatty acid composition of Muscovy duck meat
Authors: Schiavone A. , Romboli I. , Chiarini R. , Marzoni M. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryA trial was conducted to study the effect of dietary 2% soya bean oil and dietary 2% fish oil (FO) on fatty acid composition of breast meat of two different Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata domestica L.) strains. The two strains were a broiler strain selected for meat production and an unselected rural strain. Fatty acid composition of breast muscle was deeply influenced by lipid source. Dietary FO improved the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs) of omega 3 series content, while the content of LC‐PUFAs of omega 6 series was reduced. Differences in susceptibility in lipid manipulation were found between the two groups of animals suggesting the highest capability of animals belonging to the rural strain in stocking arachidonic acid in breast muscle. As the fatty acid profile of Muscovy duck meat can be considerably modified by changing the fatty acid composition of the diet, and dietary FO represents an easy way to reach this goal, human intake of healthy n‐3 LC‐PUFAs could be enhanced using this enriched poultry meat, even if the influence of FO on organoleptic characteristics (i.e. off‐flavours) must be evaluated.
Major flowering time gene and polygene effects on chickpea seed weight
Authors: Hovav R. , Upadhyaya K. C. , Beharav A. , Abbo S. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe effect of the major flowering gene (PPD) on seed weight of chickpea was studied on 450 F3 families from reciprocal crosses between a small‐seeded, early‐flowering (PPD/PPD) type and a large‐seeded, late flowering (PPD/PPD) cultivar. F4 progeny tests were carried out to determine the PPD genotypes of each individual F3. The effects of the PPD gene and the polygenes on mean seed weight were both significant. Genetic correlations between time to flowering and seed weight were positive and relatively high, suggesting that in certain genetic backgrounds it might be difficult to breed early‐flowering cultivars without compromising seed weight.
Analysis of Vietnamese rice germplasm provides an insight into Japonica rice differentiation
Authors: Fukuoka S. , Alpatyeva N. V. , Ebana K. , Luu N. T. , Nagamine T. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractGenetic differentiation among landraces of rice in northern Vietnam that lie in the centre of genetic diversity of Asian cultivated rice was analysed using DNA markers, and morphological and physiological traits to obtain an insight into the genetic differentiation of Asian rice. Principle coordinate analysis, based on nuclear RFLP data, divided Vietnamese rice varieties into three groups, designated A, B and C. Chloroplast DNA variation discriminated group A, which corresponded to the Indica rice varieties, from both groups B and C, which corresponded to the Japonica rice varieties. Physiological characteristics for Indica‐Japonica and tropical‐temperate Japonica discrimination suggested groups A and B consisted of typical Indica and Japonica varieties, respectively, while the characteristics of group C were distinct from those of the other two groups. This suggests that the genetic differences between groups B and C represent a new aspect of genetic variation that has not been previously reported in Japonica rice. Groups C and B corresponded with upland and lowland rice, respectively. Eight marker loci were associated with upland‐lowland differentiation in Japonica rice. Highlighted chromosomal regions might have been selected during the history of cultivation under different cultural conditions, and thus contain genes related to adaptation.
Pleomorphic adenomas of the lacrimal gland: a clinicopathological analysis
Authors: Sen Seema , Mahindrakar Avinash , Betharia Subhash M , Bajaj Mandeep S , Kashyap Seema , Ghose Supriyo 
Published: November 2004

Abstract Purpose: To analyse retrospectively 32 cases of pleomorphic adenoma of the lacrimal gland diagnosed over a 10‐year period in a tertiary referral eye centre from North India. Methods: The clinical features of 32 cases of pleomorphic adenomas diagnosed between 1991 and 2000 were analysed and the histopathological features reviewed light microscopically. Results: Among the clinical features, a marked male predominance with younger age of presentation and left‐sided dominance was noted. The duration of symptoms was less than 10 months in 28% cases. Histopathologically, the features included presence of cystic degeneration (15.6%) and squamous metaplasia (18.7%). Calcification, osteoid formation and malignant transformation (3.1% each) were occasionally observed. Conclusions: Pleomorphic adenomas of the lacrimal gland may present with duration of symptoms of less than 10 months. Cystic degeneration, squamous metaplasia, calcification or ossification may be observed in lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenomas, as has been described in pleomorphic adenomas of salivary glands. However, the presence of calcification and bone erosion radiologically in a lacrimal gland tumour does not necessarily indicate malignancy.
Direct visual and circadian pathways target neuroendocrine cells in primates
Authors: Abizaid Alfonso , Horvath Balazs , Keefe David L. , Leranth Csaba , Horvath Tamas L. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe effect of light on neuroendocrine functions is thought to be mediated through retinal inputs to the circadian pacemaker, the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The present studies were conducted to provide experimental evidence for this signaling modality in non‐human primates. In the St. Kitts vervet monkey, anterograde tracing of SCN efferents revealed a monosynaptic pathway between the circadian clock and hypothalamic neurons producing luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH). Using a variety of tracing techniques, direct retinal input was found to be abundant in the SCN and in other hypothalamic sites. Strikingly, in hypothalamic areas other than the SCN, primary visual afferents established direct contacts with neuroendocrine cells including those producing LHRH and dopamine, neurons that are the hypothalamic regulators of pituitary gonadotrops and prolactin. Thus, our data reveal for the first time in primates that light stimuli can reach the hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis, directly providing a pathway independent of but parallel to that of the circadian clock for the photic modulation of hormone release.
Inducible defences prevent strong population fluctuations in bi‐ and tritrophic food chains
Authors: Verschoor Antonie M. , Vos Matthijs , Van Der Stap Irene 
Published: November 2004

AbstractRecent theoretical work (Vos et al. 2004) predicts that inducible defences prevent strong population fluctuations under high levels of nutrient enrichment. Here we evaluate this model prediction and show that inducible defences in algae stabilize the dynamics of experimentally assembled bi‐ and tritrophic planktonic food chains. At high phosphorus levels, we observed strong population fluctuations in all food chains with undefended algae. These fluctuations did not occur when algae had inducible defences. At low phosphorus levels, we observed deterministic consumer extinctions, as predicted by stoichiometric theory. Our study thus shows that both biotically and abiotically induced changes in algal food quality affect the stability and persistence of planktonic food chains.
Effectiveness of sexual selection in removing mutations induced with ionizing radiation
Authors: Radwan Jacek 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBecause of the production of males, sexual populations are expected to incur a 50% cost in potential growth rate. However, theory predicts that sexual competition between males can compensate for this cost by decreasing the mutation load of sexual populations. To test this hypothesis, I induced mutations in male bulb mites with ionizing radiation and subjected their progeny (F1) to two selective regimes differing in opportunity for sexual selection. Mutations which were not removed by selection acting on the F1 decreased embryonic viability in the F2. Viability was significantly higher in the treatment in which there was an opportunity for sexual selection than in the treatment in which sexual selection was experimentally eliminated. The results indicate that sexual selection can increase population fitness and, at least partly, compensate for the cost of sex.
Threshold volumes for urological cancer surgery: a survey of UK urologists
Authors: Nuttall Martin C. , Van Der Meulen Jan , McIntosh Gregor , Gillatt David , Emberton Mark 
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVETo determine minimum threshold levels of activity set by surgeons for urological cancer surgery, and to relate threshold levels to stated current procedural volume.METHODSIn all, 307 consultant urological surgeons were sent a questionnaire asking them to state for four urological cancer operations of different complexity their current procedural volume; whether minimum volume thresholds per surgeon should be implemented; and if so, the level of such thresholds; 212 (69%) replied.RESULTSFor all four procedures ≥ 75% of surgeons advocated the setting of a minimum volume threshold. Overall, surgeons set the highest thresholds for radical prostatectomy and the lowest for radical cystectomy with continent diversion. There was no significant association between either the principle of supporting minimum volume thresholds or the level of such a threshold and the number of years worked as a consultant surgeon. The level of surgeon‐derived minimum thresholds increased with increasing surgeon procedural volume.CONCLUSIONMost surgeons supported the principle of setting minimum volume thresholds. These thresholds appear to be influenced by current procedural volume and by procedural complexity. By setting thresholds greater than their current volume, some surgeons implicitly indicate that their current volume is insufficient to maintain their surgical competency.
Enhanced objective quantitative cystometric analysis of compliance and contractility
Authors: Wahl Edward F. , Lahdes‐Vasama Tuija T. , Churchill Bernard M. 
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVETo show, for pressure‐time data from cystometrography (CMG), the potential practical clinical application of automatically identified, displayed, analysed and quantified compliance and contractility, as undesirable high‐pressure detrusor storage may be caused by inefficient compliance or uninhibited contractions (UNC).MATERIAL AND METHODSBladder contractility was measured by UNC and compliance by relaxed‐state detrusor pressure (RSDP), i.e. the detrusor (bladder‐abdominal) pressure with all UNC removed. Forty‐one CMG examinations were used retrospectively to: (i) validate the separation and identification, by comparing the resulting separate graphs (data) of UNC and RSDP with an expanded time scale for raw vesical and rectal data; (ii) show that the separation is correct by examples; and (iii) show the potential practical utility by results for typical cases.RESULTSSeparation into RSDP and UNC was correctly identified and plotted. The examples showed the utility and four types of UNC (‘high’, contractions of >25 cmH2O of long duration; ‘medium’, >25 cmH2O of short duration; ‘low’, 4–25 cmH2O of short duration; and ‘frequent’, of 2–6 cmH2O).CONCLUSIONSUNCs as small as 2 cmH2O can be detected and measured. The explicit enhanced estimate of compliance and contractility will be useful in the follow‐up when comparing different patients and studies, and assist in more appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Because the treatment for bladders with poor contractility differs greatly from those with detrusor instability, the ability to reliably and accurately differentiate between these causes is important.
The prevalence of coronary heart disease in Type 2 diabetic patients in Italy: the DAI study
Authors:   The DAI Study Group
Published: November 2004

AbstractAims  Type 2 diabetes is associated with at least a twofold increase in risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of CHD in the population of Type 2 diabetics cared for by the Italian network of outpatient diabetic units.Methods  The DAI (Diabetes and Informatics study group, Italian Association of Diabetologists, and Italian National Institute of Health) study is a multicentre cohort study of patients with Type 2 diabetes. Patients were classified as having CHD if they had: (i) a history for hospital admission for either an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or angina; (ii) a positive ECG for prior AMI or angina; (iii) a positive history for coronary artery bypass graft; or (iv) a positive history for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.Results  A cohort of 19 468 patients was analysed: 3157 patients had CHD. The majority of events (80%) had occurred after the diagnosis of diabetes and were considered in the CHD prevalence estimate. The prevalence of CHD, adjusted by age and sex, was 9.9%: 11.0% male and 9.0% female. Angina without AMI occurred in 1306 patients; this condition was more frequent in females while a documented AMI was more frequent in males. Therapeutic procedures were performed more frequently in males. A positive association with CHD was found for gender, age at visit, duration of diabetes, hypertension, relatives with CHD, tryglicerides and microvascular complications.Conclusions  The prevalence of CHD in this cohort is lower than previously reported; nevertheless, patients attending the diabetic care units may not be fully representative of the general diabetic population in Italy. Revascularization is less frequent in females than in males; microvascular complications and a worse metabolic control are significantly associated with CHD.
Recurrent Events Analysis in the Presence of Time-Dependent Covariates and Dependent Censoring
Authors: Miloslavsky Maja , Keleş Sündüz , Laan Mark J. , Butler Steve 
Published: November 2004

SummaryRecurrent events models have had considerable attention recently. The majority of approaches show the consistency of parameter estimates under the assumption that censoring is independent of the recurrent events process of interest conditional on the covariates that are included in the model. We provide an overview of available recurrent events analysis methods and present an inverse probability of censoring weighted estimator for the regression parameters in the Andersen–Gill model that is commonly used for recurrent event analysis. This estimator remains consistent under informative censoring if the censoring mechanism is estimated consistently, and it generally improves on the naïve estimator for the Andersen–Gill model in the case of independent censoring. We illustrate the bias of ad hoc estimators in the presence of informative censoring with a simulation study and provide a data analysis of recurrent lung exacerbations in cystic fibrosis patients when some patients are lost to follow-up.
An exploratory study using cameras and Talking Mats to access the views of young people with learning disabilities on their out‐of‐school activities
Authors: Germain Ruth 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThis paper explores the use of disposable cameras and Talking Mats as research tools to access the views of young people with learning disabilities about their social activities. A pilot study was carried out with nine 16‐year‐old young people in a special school. They were given a single‐use motorized camera. This was used to record the out‐of‐school activities they participated in, both in the home and community, for 1 week. The young people were asked to sort their photographs using Talking Mats symbols. This was followed by parental interviews to check for validity and reliability. The paper reports on the potential use of photography and Talking Mats as research tools with young people with learning disabilities, and how their use may break down some of the language barriers inherent in traditional interview methods. The author discusses some of the practical and methodological issues arising from the study.