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  • Quality of life  (75)
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  • Electronic Resource  (151)
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  • 2000-2004  (151)
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  • 1
    ISSN: 1530-0358
    Keywords: Fecal incontinence ; Quality of life ; Health surveys ; Reproducibility of results ; Outcome assessment (health care)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract PURPOSE: This goal of this research was to develop and evaluate the psychometrics of a health-related quality of life scale developed to address issues related specifically to fecal incontinence, the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale. METHODS: The Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale is composed of a total of 29 items; these items form four scales: Lifestyle (10 items), Coping/Behavior (9 items), Depression/Self-Perception (7 items), and Embarrassment (3 items). RESULTS: Psychometric evaluation of these scales demonstrates that they are both reliable and valid. Each of the scales demonstrate stability over time (test/retest reliability) and have acceptable internal reliability (Cronbach alpha 〉0.70). Validity was assessed using discriminate and convergent techniques. Each of the four scales of the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale was capable of discriminating between patients with fecal incontinence and patients with other gastrointestinal problems. To evaluate convergent validity, the correlation of the scales in the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale with selected subscales in the SF-36 was analyzed. The scales in the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale demonstrated significant correlations with the subscales in the SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: The psychometric evaluation of the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale showed that this fecal incontinence-specific quality of life measure produces both reliable and valid measurement.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 2
    ISSN: 1530-0358
    Keywords: Recurrent rectal cancer ; Cost-effectiveness analysis ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract PURPOSE: This study was performed to determine the quality of life and cost-effectiveness of therapeutic options for patients with locally recurrent rectal carcinoma, determined from the perspectives of patients and health care providers. METHODS: We reviewed the records of patients (N=68) with locally recurrent rectal carcinoma evaluated from 1992 through 1995. We constructed a decision-analytic model incorporating outcomes, survival, and costs. Utilities were elicited from convenience samples of health care providers and patients using the standard gamble technique. RESULTS: The median survival for patients undergoing surgical resection (n=40) was 42 months, compared with 16.8 months for patients undergoing diagnostic or palliative surgery (n=16) and 18.3 months for patients treated nonoperatively (n=12;P〈0.005). The mean cost of treatment per patient was $19,283 for the nonoperative group, $45,647 for the diagnostic or palliative surgery group, and $70,878 for the surgical resection group. The diagnostic or palliative surgical strategy was dominated by the nonoperative strategy because the former had greater costs with fewer health benefits. The incremental cost-utility ratio of surgical resection compared with nonoperative management using health care provider utilities was $109,777 per quality-adjusted life year gained; it was reduced to $56,698 using per quality-adjusted life year using mean patient utilities. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with recurrent rectal carcinoma view surgery and morbidity to be less severe than health care providers. Diagnostic or palliative surgery is expensive and affects quality-adjusted survival adversely compared with nonoperative therapy. Surgical resection may be a cost-effective use of resources, particularly when cost-effectiveness is calculated using patient preferences.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 3
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Diseases of the colon & rectum 43 (2000), S. 326-332 
    ISSN: 1530-0358
    Keywords: Laparoscopic surgery ; Aged ; Colorectal surgery ; Morbidity ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine rates of complications and extent of benefits for laparoscopic-assisted colectomy compared with open colectomy in patients older than age 75. METHODS: Forty-two patients undergoing laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (1992–1998) were matched to 42 open colectomy patients for gender, age, year of surgery, operating surgeon, and procedure. Health status (American Society of Anesthesiology score), previous abdominal surgery, conversion rate, surgical outcome, and need for assistance at admission and dismissal (independencevs. home with assistancevs. nursing facilities) were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean ages were 81.2 and 80.5 years for laparoscopic-assisted colectomy and open colectomy, respectively (P=not significant). Twenty-one laparoscopic-assisted colectomy and 23 open colectomy patients were females. American Society of Anesthesiology scores were comparable, as were rates of previous abdominal surgery (57 percent for laparoscopic-assisted colectomyvs. 62 percent for open colectomy;P=not significant). Mean operative times were longer for laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (190 minutes for laparoscopic-assisted colectomyvs. 142 minutes for open colectomy;P〈0.001); operating room times progressively decreased from 221 minutes in 1992 to 1995 to 147 in 1998 for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (P〈0.001). The conversion rate for laparoscopic-assisted colectomy was 14.3 percent. There were no deaths in either group, and laparoscopic-assisted colectomy was associated with fewer morbidities (14.3 percent for laparoscopic-assisted colectomyvs. 33.3 percent for open colectomy;P=0.04), narcotic usage (2.7vs. 4.8 days;P〈0.001), time to return to bowel movements (3.9vs. 5.9 days;P〈0.001), and length of hospital stay (6.5vs. 10.2 days;P〈0.001). Independent status at admission in 37 laparoscopic-assisted colectomy and 38 open colectomy patients was maintained at discharge by 35 laparoscopic-assisted colectomyvs. 29 open colectomy patients (P=0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic-assisted colectomy is safe and beneficial, including preservation of postoperative independence, to the elderly when compared with open colectomy.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 4
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Annals of surgical oncology 7 (2000), S. 367-375 
    ISSN: 1534-4681
    Keywords: Outcomes ; Surgical oncology ; Review ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: There have been significant developments and advances in the area of outcomes research in the past 25 years. Unfortunately, many surgical oncologists may not have a clear concept of outcomes research and the methodology involved. Methods: A literature-based review article was done that included an overview of outcomes research, and study design and types, outcome measures, outcome instruments, and sources of outcome data were examined. In addition, we reviewed small area variation(volume outcome analysis as well as quality-of-life studies and their applications in surgical oncology clinical investigation. Specific examples from surgical oncology were identified. Results: As the costs of health care have increased, so has the emphasis on measuring outcomes of medical and surgical care to determine the quality and appropriateness of care. Marked variations in a variety of outcomes after oncological procedures have been attributed to individual surgeon and institution characteristics. Because much of the clinical surgical oncology literature deals only with the traditional mortality and morbidity outcomes, a more comprehensive examination of patient outcomes is required to fully evaluate the impact of patient management decisions. Health-related quality of life can be measured and analyzed in several ways and decisions regarding the use of such methodology are dependent on multiple factors. Conclusions: Surgical oncologists should recognize that the true value of their interventions requires systematic and comprehensive examination of patient outcomes.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 5
    ISSN: 1534-4681
    Keywords: Breast cancer ; Quality of life ; Mental health ; Surgery
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: The aim of the present study was to examine whether type of surgery, age, and time since surgery influenced psychological distress and quality of life (QOL) in women treated for breast cancer. Methods: We surveyed 183 women who had undergone surgery for breast cancer. Psychological distress was measured with the Mental Health Inventory and QOL was measured with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: After controlling for stage of disease, radiation treatment, and age, there was a statistically significant interaction between type of surgery and time since surgery for the Mental Health Inventory total score, and a marginal interaction between type of surgery and time since surgery for the Global health status/QOL score. Women who had breast conservation surgery experienced significantly greater levels of psychological distress and marginally worse QOL from 40 months after surgery onward than did women who received a mastectomy. Conclusions: The effects of different surgical treatments for breast cancer on psychological distress and QOL become apparent only after a period of several years. Women, therefore, need counseling on the potentially positive and negative psychological implications of different surgical treatments for breast cancer.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 6
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Diseases of the colon & rectum 43 (2000), S. 1497-1502 
    ISSN: 1530-0358
    Keywords: Ulcerative colitis ; Quality of life ; Pelvic pouch ; Dysplasia ; Cancer ; Colitis-associated neoplasia
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract PURPOSE: Despite high patient satisfaction with a pelvic pouch, patients experience some bowel dysfunction. Patients whose indication for surgery is neoplasia may have near-normal preoperative bowel function. We hypothesized that these patients would be less accepting of a poorer functional status after surgery, reflected in a poorer measure of quality of life. METHOD: Sixteen patients who had dysplasia or cancer as the primary indication for surgery were compared with a matched control group whose indication for surgery was failed medical therapy. Quality of life was assessed using one disease-specific instrument, the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, two generic quality-of-life instruments, the Sickness Impact Profile and the Short Form 36, and two utility assessments. RESULTS: The groups were well matched with no significant differences in functional outcome. Quality-of-life scores were high in both groups and there were no significant differences in overall quality of life between the two groups using all five instruments. There was evidence of a response shift phenomenon in the failed medical therapy control group. CONCLUSION: Quality of life of patients who have a pelvic pouch for colitis-associated neoplasia is excellent and the same as that of patients who have a pouch for failure of medical therapy.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 7
    ISSN: 1530-0358
    Keywords: Rectal cancer ; Sphincter preservation ; Functional outcome ; Quality of life ; Intraoperative radiation therapy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract PURPOSE: Locally advanced primary and recurrent rectal cancers treated with external beam radiation therapy, intraoperative radiation therapy, and chemotherapy represent a complex group of patients in the setting of extensive pelvic surgery and sphincter preservation. We sought to define functional outcome and quality of life in this subset of patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with locally advanced primary and recurrent rectal cancer patients who underwent intraoperative radiation therapy with either low anterior resection (n=12) or coloanal anastomosis (n=6) between 1991 and 1998. Current functional outcome and quality of life were evaluated by a detailed questionnaire. RESULTS: Median time from operation to assessment was 24 (range, 6–93) months. Using a standardized Sphincter Function Scale, incorporating the number of bowel movements per day and degree of incontinence, patients were graded as poor, fair, good, or excellent function. Of all patients, 56 percent reported unfavorable (poor or fair) function. Of the subset of patients with coloanal anastomosis or very low low anterior resection, 88 percent had unfavorable function as compared with 30 percent with standard low anterior resection. (P=0.02; Fisher's exact probability test). A quality-of-life satisfaction score based on social, professional, and recreational restrictions demonstrated 56 percent of patients to be dissatisfied with their bowel function. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with advanced rectal cancers who require external beam radiation therapy, extensive pelvic surgery, and intraoperative radiation therapy report unfavorable functional and quality-of-life outcomes after sphincter preservation. In this setting patients being considered for coloanal anastomosis or very low anterior resection may be better served by permanent diversion.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 8
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Diseases of the colon & rectum 43 (2000), S. 1206-1212 
    ISSN: 1530-0358
    Keywords: Fistula-in-ano ; Recurrence ; Incontinence ; Quality of life ; Lifestyle ; Satisfaction
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract PURPOSE: The surgical treatment of fistula-in-ano frequently results in recurrence of the fistula or postoperative anal incontinence. Despite these problems, most patients are satisfied with the results of their surgery. To clarify this apparent discrepancy, we attempted to identify factors that affect patient's lifestyles and may contribute to their satisfaction. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to 624 patients surgically treated for cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano at the University of Minnesota during a five-year period. Three hundred seventy-five patients returned their questionnaires. Patients who were followed up for a minimum of one year were included in this retrospective study. Associations between postoperative complications and patient satisfaction were identified by chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression. Attributable fractions for patient dissatisfaction were calculated using study population dissatisfaction rates. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction was strongly associated with fistula recurrence, difficulty holding gas, soiling of undergarment, and accidental bowel movements. Effects of incontinence on patient quality of life were also significantly associated with patient satisfaction as was the number of lifestyle activities affected by incontinence. Patients with fistula recurrence reported a higher dissatisfaction rate (61 percent) than did patients with anal incontinence (24 percent), but the attributable fraction of dissatisfaction for incontinence (84 percent) was greater than that for fistula recurrence (33 percent). Patient satisfaction was not significantly associated with age, gender, history of previous fistula surgery, type of fistula, surgical procedure, time since surgery, or operating surgeon. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction after surgical treatment for fistula-in-ano is associated with recurrence of the fistula, the development of anal incontinence, and with the effects of anal incontinence on patient lifestyle. In our series of patients treated mainly with laying open of the fistula tract, patients with fistula recurrence had a higher dissatisfaction rate than did patients with anal incontinence. However, because anal incontinence was more prevalent than fistula recurrence, a higher fraction of dissatisfaction was attributable to anal incontinence.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 9
    ISSN: 1534-4681
    Keywords: Quality of life ; Cystectomy ; Urinary diversion
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: In this study, we used a previously well-validated survey to assess the impact of different forms of urinary diversion on overall quality of life in patients with bladder cancer. Methods: A total of 92 patients, having three different forms of urinary diversion after radical cystectomy, completed by mail the SF-36, a validated quality-of-life survey. All patients had local(regional disease at the time of cystectomy and are currently without evidence of disease. Completed surveys were then analyzed into physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component quality-of-life scores per published protocols. Results were then compared with published age-based norms. Results: A total of 38 men who had cystectomy and ileal neobladder had a mean PCS (6SD) of 48.4 (7.8) and a mean MCS of 51.0 (7.4); 16 men and women who had cystectomy and Indiana Pouch had a mean PCS of 48.4 (8.9) and a mean MCS of 55.7 (3.8). None of these results is statistically different from published age- and sex-based population norms. Thirty-eight men who had cystectomy and ileal conduit had a mean PCS of 41.4 (8.5) and a mean MCS of 48.2 (10.7). The PCS is not statistically different from the population-based norm; however, the MCS is significantly decreased from the published norm (P 5.01). Conclusions: Patients with ileal conduits have significantly decreased mental health quality of life whereas patients with continent urinary diversions do not. Therefore, when not medically contraindicated, patients should be offered a continent diversion as the diversion of choice after cystectomy.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 10
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Diseases of the colon & rectum 43 (2000), S. 650-655 
    ISSN: 1530-0358
    Keywords: Loop ileostomy ; Loop colostomy ; Quality of life ; Stoma complications
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract PURPOSE: The hypothesis is that the impact of a temporary stoma on a patient's daily life is determined by complications and related stoma care problems. METHOD: A prospective clinical trial was performed, studying complications and social well-being of 37 patients with loop ileostomy and 39 patients with a loop colostomy (randomly assigned comparison). Patients were categorized according to degree of social restriction. The association between the degree of social restriction and the presence of stoma care problems and complications was assessed. Follow-up was scheduled every three months until the stoma was closed (94 percent). RESULTS: There is no relation between stoma type (ileostomy or colostomy) and degree of social restriction (chi-squared test,P=0.42). The more stoma care problems or complications seen, the higher the degree of social restriction: significantly more stoma care problems were seen in the completely isolated group of patients when compared with the patients who were less socially restricted (Spearman correlation coefficient 1=0.35,P=0.003). Especially stoma leakage, peristomal skin irritation, dietary prescriptions, retraction, and prolapse of the stoma have significant impact on the patient's daily life. CONCLUSION: Stoma surgery has a great influence on a patient's daily life. There is a clear relation between the number of stoma care problems and the degree of social restriction. Follow-up of stoma patients under close surveillance of stoma care nurse to minimize stoma care problems and a careful surgical technique are advocated for good stoma care.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 11
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of ornithology 141 (2000), S. 263-274 
    ISSN: 1439-0361
    Keywords: Systematics ; evolution ; anagenesis ; genealogy ; reference system
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Description / Table of Contents: Zusammenfassung Verglichen mit anderen Tiergruppen, scheint die artliche Bestandsaufnahme der rezenten Vögel nahezu abgeschlossen zu sein. Doch ist das System der Vögel weiterhin umstritten und mit vielen Neuerungen konfrontiert. Die Gründe dafür liegen hauptsächlich in neuen, vor allem molekularbiologischen Methoden und in den unerwartet reichen Fossilfunden der jüngsten Zeit. Als Beispiele werden Altgaumenvögel, Kranichvögel, Ibisse, Flamingos, Mausvögel, Hopfe und Sperlingsvögel kurz behandelt. Die hier erzielten Fortschritte lassen die Befürchtung Stresemanns, die Großsystematik der Vögel sei mit den vorhandenen Methoden phylogenetisch nicht interpretierbar, zunächst als unbergründet erscheinen. Doch erwachsen einer solchen Interpretation andere Hindernisse, deren Bedeutung bisher zu wenig beachtet wurde, nämlich Parallelentwicklungen, die viel verbreiteter sind als gemeinhin angenommen. Ihre Häufigkeit lässt sich sogar mit evolutionsbiologischen Argumenten begründen. Es ist deshalb nicht zu erwarten, dass die Diskussionen um das „richtige“ System bald verstummen. Um dennoch die Eindeutigkeit der Information in nicht-systematischen Veröffentlichungen zu wahren, wird empfohlen ein etabliertes Referenzsystem auf Zeit zu wählen.
    Notes: Summary Unlike in most animal classes the inventory of extant species of the class Aves seems to be almost complete. Nevertheless avian systematics is challenged by many novelties and seems far from being settled. This is caused mainly by the application of novel methods of molecular analysis to phylogenetic problems and by the unexpectedly rich fossil record collected within the last 10–20 years. Examples from the Palaeognathae, Gruiformes, Threskiornithidae, Phoenicopteridae, Coliiformes, Upupiformes and Passeriformes are briefly treated. The progress in the field seems to disprove Stresemann's pessimistic view that the phylogeny of higher categories (orders) cannot be reconstructed by the available methods. However, phylogenetic interpretations are impeded by obstacles not considered by Stresemann and highly underestimated in most cases, namely by multiple independent developments leading to identical features. Frequent parallel developments are to be expected for theoretical evolutionary reasons. The diagnosis of such homoplasies can be extremely difficult or even impossible. Therefore we cannot expect the discussion about the “best” system of birds to end in the near future. Considering this dynamic situation in systematics, it is recommended to maintain unambiguousness of information in not strictly systematic publications by refering to a well established system as a temporally limited reference.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 12
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Acta biotheoretica 48 (2000), S. 137-147 
    ISSN: 1572-8358
    Keywords: Sex ; sexual selection ; mate selection ; evolution ; ploidy ; assortative mating ; recombination
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Using computer simulations I studied the simultaneous effect of variable environments, mutation rates, ploidy, number of loci subject to evolution and random and assortative mating on various reproductive systems. The simulations showed that mutants for sex and recombination are evolutionarily stable, displacing alleles for monosexuality in diploid populations mating assortatively under variable selection pressure. Assortative mating reduced excessive allelic variance induced by recombination and sex, especially among diploids. Results suggest a novel adaptive value for sex and recombination. They show that the adaptive value of diploidy and that of the segregation of sexes is different to that of sex and recombination. The results suggest that the emergence of sex had to be preceded by the emergence of diploid monosexual organisms and provide an explanation for the emergence and maintenance of sex among diploids and for the scarcity of sex among haploid organisms.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 13
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Entomologia experimentalis et applicata 97 (2000), S. 237-249 
    ISSN: 1570-7458
    Keywords: herbivores ; predators ; parasitoids ; mutualism ; induced defence ; behaviour ; ecology ; evolution ; sensory physiology ; plant fitness ; pathogens
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Herbivorous and carnivorous arthropods use plant volatiles when foraging for food. In response to herbivory, plants emit a blend that may be quantitatively and qualitatively different from the blend emitted when intact. This induced volatile blend alters the interactions of the plant with its environment. We review recent developments regarding the induction mechanism as well as the ecological consequences in a multitrophic and evolutionary context. It has been well established that carnivores (predators and parasitoids) are attracted by the volatiles induced by their herbivorous victims. This concerns an active plant response. In the case of attraction of predators, this is likely to result in a fitness benefit to the plant, because through consumption a predator removes the herbivores from the plant. However, the benefit to the plant is less clear when parasitoids are attracted, because parasitisation does usually not result in an instantaneous or in a complete termination of consumption by the herbivore. Recently, empirical evidence has been obtained that shows that the plant's response can increase plant fitness, in terms of seed production, due to a reduced consumption rate of parasitized herbivores. However, apart from a benefit from attracting carnivores, the induced volatiles can have a serious cost because there is an increasing number of studies that show that herbivores can be attracted. However, this does not necessarily result in settlement of the herbivores on the emitting plant. The presence of cues from herbivores and/or carnivores that indicate that the plant is a competitor- and/or enemy-dense space, may lead to an avoidance response. Thus, the benefit of emission of induced volatiles is likely to depend on the prevailing faunal composition. Whether plants can adjust their response and influence the emission of the induced volatiles, taking the prevalent environmental conditions into account, is an interesting question that needs to be addressed. The induced volatiles may also affect interactions of the emitting plant with its neighbours, e.g., through altered competitive ability or by the neighbour exploiting the emitted information. Major questions to be addressed in this research field comprise mechanistic aspects, such as the identification of the minimally effective blend of volatiles that explains the attraction of carnivores to herbivore-infested plants, and evolutionary aspects such as the fitness consequences of induced volatiles. The elucidation of mechanistic aspects is important for addressing ecological and evolutionary questions. For instance, an important tool to address ecological and evolutionary aspects would be to have plant pairs that differ in only a single trait. Such plants are likely to become available in the near future as a result of mechanistic studies on signal-transduction pathways and an increased interest in molecular genetics.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 14
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Entomologia experimentalis et applicata 95 (2000), S. 141-149 
    ISSN: 1570-7458
    Keywords: ecology ; reproductive success ; fecundity ; intraspecific competition ; evolution ; pest outbreaks ; pest control ; chemical control ; economic threshold ; oilseed rape ; turnip rape
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Populations of the rapeseed pollen beetle Meligethes aeneus F. (Col., Nitidulidae) from areas with 0–16 years of history of intensive rapeseed growing were compared for key ecological characters. During the first 16 years of rapeseed cultivation the reproductive success of M. aeneus increased 200–300% over that of the beetles living on the natural host plants, cruciferous weeds. The increase was linear over time and statistically highly significant, and it did not appear to be related to food quality or to the size of the beetles. During the same period the tolerance to intraspecific competition decreased, possibly due to the relative absence of such competition on the new crop. Furthermore, the optimum population density for M. aeneus to maximize the size of its next generation on summer turnip rape was determined to be 0.5–1.0 beetles/plant, which is slightly below the economic threshold for chemical control (1 beetle/plant). Therefore the practical protection of the rapeseed yield also ensures the highest possible pest population size for the next year. These mechanisms may in part explain the particular noxiousness of the species as a pest all over Europe. In general these data show that after the introduction of a new crop plant into a region, significant changes during the recruitment process in a pestiferous insect may take place, contributing to the future pest status of the insect. It is suggested that such genetic and ecological changes in insects may be a more common mechanism than previously thought in initiating and sustaining pest outbreaks, and that conventional pest management methods may enhance that effect.
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  • 15
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Journal of insect behavior 13 (2000), S. 71-86 
    ISSN: 1572-8889
    Keywords: copulatory courtship ; behavioral interactions ; songs ; evolution
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract D. birchii and D. serrata, two endemic Australian Drosophila species, have a copulatory courtship. The males of these species begin to court the female after mounting her and often go on with the courtship after the copulation is over. In the present paper we have described behavioral interactions between the male and the female and analyzed acoustic signals produced by the flies during courtship. Species differences were more pronounced in female than in male behavior. Variation within the species was obvious in the relative proportions of time the flies spent in different behaviors. Even though courtship took place nearly solely during copulation, some remains of precopulatory courtship were observed in both species. It is suggested that copulatory courtship exhibited by D. birchii and D. serrata flies is a derived rather than a primitive character.
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  • 16
    ISSN: 1572-9028
    Keywords: rutile supported V2O5–WO3 catalyst ; evolution ; NO reduction
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract This paper concerns the relation between surface structure of crystalline vanadia-like active species on vanadia–tungsta catalyst and their activity in the selective reduction of NO by ammonia to nitrogen. The investigations were performed for Ti–Sn-rutile-supported isopropoxy-derived catalyst. The SCR activity and surface species structure were determined for the freshly prepared catalyst, for the catalyst previously used in NO reduction by ammonia (320 ppm NO, 335 ppm NH3 and 2.35 vol% O2) at 573 K as well as for the catalyst previously annealed at 573 K in helium stream containing 2.35 vol% O2. The crystalline islands, exposing main V2O5 surface, with some tungsten atoms substituted for V-ones, were found, with XPS and FT Raman spectroscopy, to be present at the surface of the freshly prepared catalyst. A profound evolution of the active species during the catalyst use at 573 K was observed. Dissociative water adsorption on V5+OW6+ sites is discussed as mainly responsible for the catalyst activity at 473 K and that on both V5+OW6+ and V4+OW6+ sites as determining the activity at 523 K.
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  • 17
    Electronic Resource
    Electronic Resource
    Springer
    Ethik in der Medizin 12 (2000), S. 139-153 
    ISSN: 1437-1618
    Keywords: Key words: Motion pictures ; Medical ethics ; Physician-patient relationship ; Truth disclosure ; Informed consent ; Third-party consent ; Quality of life ; Euthanasia ; Terminally ill ; Schlüsselwörter: Film ; Medizinethik ; Arzt-Patient Beziehung ; Aufklärung ; Wahrheit sagen ; informed consent ; Lebensqualität ; Sterbehilfe ; Heilversuche
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine , Philosophy
    Description / Table of Contents: Zusammenfassung. Filme erzählen Geschichten. Spannungsvoll sind dabei vor allem jene Szenen, in denen Menschen vor Entscheidungskonflikte gestellt werden. Medizinethische Konflikte tauchen dabei nicht nur in Arztserien oder Krankheitsdarstellungen auf, sondern häufig in Genres, in denen diese Thematik kaum vermutet wird: Komödien, Western, Liebesfilmen, Gangster- und Kriminalfilmen. Indem Filme derartige Konflikte inszenieren und Lösungen bieten, greifen sie auf moralische Werthaltungen zurück und sind zugleich Seismographen für die gesellschaftliche Relevanz medizinethischer Themenfelder. Allerdings können im Film ethische Prinzipien der Entscheidungsfindung der Dramaturgie der Handlung zum Opfer fallen. Eine Analyse der dargestellten Konfliktsituationen ähnelt einer medizinethischen Fallbesprechung und stellt eine hilfreiche Ergänzung für die Vermittlung analytischer und kommunikativer Kompetenzen dar.
    Notes: Abstract. Movies tell stories. Thrilling are especially those situations, when people have to make ethical decisions. Issues of medical ethics crop up not only in hospital series, but often in genres where this subject is hardly to be supposed: comedies, westerns, love stories and gangster movies. Enacting these conflicts means offering a solution, and in doing so films refer to moral values and – at the same time – function as seismographs for the social relevance of bioethical topics. But it is possible that ethical principles of good decision-making fall victims to the drama of the story. Analysis of the portrayed conflict is similar to a case discussion in bioethics and represents a helpful adjunct to the procurement of analytical and communicative competences.
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  • 18
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    Foundations of science 5 (2000), S. 429-456 
    ISSN: 1572-8471
    Keywords: awareness ; reflexive awareness and consciousness ; evolution ; experience and pattern matching ; symbolic language
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Natural Sciences in General
    Notes: Abstract An evolutionary point of view is proposed to make more appropriate distinctions between experience, awareness and consciousness. Experience can be defined as a characteristic linked closely to specific pattern matching, a characteristic already apparent at the molecular level at least. Awareness can be regarded as the special experience of one or more central, final modules in the animal neuronal brain. Awareness is what experience is to animals. Finally, consciousness could be defined as reflexive awareness. The ability for reflexive awareness is distinctly different from animal and human awareness and depends upon the availability of a separate frame of reference, as provided by symbolic language. As such, words have made reflexive awareness – a specific and infrequent form of awareness – possible. Conciousness might be defined as the experience evoked by considering, i.e. thinking about experiences themselves. If there is a hard problem of explaining consciousness, than this actually must be considered as the hard problem already met when trying to explain basic experience, since its nature remains elusive.
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  • 19
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    Journal for general philosophy of science 31 (2000), S. 57-73 
    ISSN: 1572-8587
    Keywords: complex systems ; evolution ; nonlinearity ; pre-determination ; self-organization ; soft management ; structure-attractors ; synergetics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Philosophy , Nature of Science, Research, Systems of Higher Education, Museum Science
    Notes: Abstract The philosophical consequences of synergetics, the interdisciplinary theory of evolution and self-organization of complex systems, are being drawn in the paper. The idea of discreteness of evolutionary paths is in the focus of attention. Although the future is open, and there are many alternative evolutionary paths for complex systems, not any arbitrary (either conceivable or desirable) evolutionary path is feasible in a given system. There are discrete spectra of possible evolutionary paths which are determined exclusively by inner properties of the corresponding systems. Synergetics allows us to reveal general laws of self-organization and, therefore, certain limits of arbitrariness of nature in choosing possible paths of evolution as well as in constructing of a complex evolutionary whole. A comparative analysis between the modern synergetic notions and a few ideas of the Western philosophy (F. Nietzsche, N. Hartmann, M. Heidegger) and of the Eastern teachings (Taoism, Buddhism) is made.
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  • 20
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    International journal of value-based management 13 (2000), S. 297-308 
    ISSN: 1572-8528
    Keywords: morality ; moral systems ; behavior ; evolution ; adaptation ; natural selection ; altruism ; reciprocal altruism ; fitness ; reciprocity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Economics
    Notes: Abstract The ethical and moral behavior of Homo sapiens is no longer the exclusive domain of religion and philosophy because we recognize that such behavior affects the reproductive success of individuals within the species. We are a social species and therefore our survival is influenced by our capacity for cooperation and our willingness to take risks for kin. Emotions, some of which are found in other species, help to mediate our altruistic behavior. The reproductive benefits of helping kin, especially offspring, are readily seen. Helping non-kin can be beneficial if individuals can differentiate between ‘reciprocators’ and ‘non-reciprocators’ and direct altruistic behavior toward reciprocators. Also, if third parties are favorably impressed by observing altruistic behavior, the rewards need not come from the recipient of the altruistic behavior.
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  • 21
    ISSN: 1433-0385
    Keywords: Keywords: Inguinal hernia ; Plug-and-patch repair ; Results ; Quality of life ; Geriatric ; Elderly. ; Schlüsselwörter: Leistenhernie ; Plug-und-Patch-Reparation ; Ergebnisse ; Lebensqualität ; geriatrisch ; älter.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Description / Table of Contents: Zusammenfassung. Im Rahmen einer prospektiven Beobachtungsstudie wurden die perioperativen Ergebnisse der Plug-und-Patch-Reparation bei Patienten ≥ 65 Jahre untersucht und zusätzlich bei 34 konsekutiven Patienten die Lebensqualität vor und 3 Monate postoperativ standardisisiert mit Hilfe der Short Form (SF) 36 – einem validierten Lebensqualitätsbogen – erhoben. Von August 1994 bis Februar 1999 wurden 147 Patienten mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 73 ± 5 Jahren (65–92 Jahre) in der Plug-und-Patch-Technik zumeist in Lokalanaesthesie (LA: n = 124; 84 %, ITN: n = 23; 16 %) operiert. Die präoperativen Risikofaktoren waren vor allem Alkoholkonsum, Hypertonus, Diabetes mellitus, coronare Herzerkrankung, Nikotinkonsum, cerebrale Erkrankungen, Hyperlipidämie und pulmonale Erkrankungen. Nach anaesthesiologischer Einschätzung bestand in der Mehrzahl ein Stadium ASA II (ASA I: n = 14; 9 %, ASA II: n = 82; 56 %, ASA III: n = 51; 35 %). Die durchschnittliche Operationszeit betrug 41 ± 17 Min. (26–73). Intraoperative Komplikationen traten nicht auf, postoperative Komplikationen bestanden vor allem in oberflächlichen Wundhämatomen (n = 6; 3,7 %), und -infektionen (n = 1; 0,6 %), Seromen (n = 7; 3,8 %), Harnverhalt (n = 3; 1,8 %) sowie ilioinguinalem Schmerzsyndrom (n = 3; 1,8 %). Der postoperative Schmerzmittelbedarf betrug 4,9 ± 1,8 g Novalgin®über durchschnittlich 4 ± 3 Tage. Die Dauer des postoperativen Klinikaufenthaltes lag bei 2 ± 1 Tagen, die Einschränkung alltäglicher Verrichtungen bei 6 ± 3 Tagen. Bei der klinischen Nachuntersuchung ergab sich in allen Fällen ein regelrechter Befund ohne Hinweis auf ein Rezidiv oder Spätkomplikationen. Bei der Lebensqualität zeigte sich 3 Monate postoperativ eine signifikante Verbesserung (p 〈 0,05) in den Dimensionen: physische Funktion, Schmerz, Vitalität und soziale Funktion im Vergleich zu den präoperativen Werten. Tendentiell günstiger aber nicht signifikant waren postoperativ die Dimensionen Rolleneinschränkung sowie psychische und globale Gesundheit.
    Notes: Abstract. In a prospective study the perioperative results of plug-and-patch repair were investigated in patients ≥ 65 years, and quality of life was assessed using the SF36 preoperatively and 3 months after the procedure in 34 consecutive patients. From August 1994 to February 1999 147 patients with a mean age of 73 ± 5 years (65–92 years) were operated on using the plug-and-patch technique, mostly under local anesthesia (LA: n = 124, 84 %, ITN: n = 23, 16 %). Preoperative risk factors were alcohol consumption, hypertonus, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, smoking, cerebrovascular disease, hyperlipidaemia and pulmonary disease. Most of the patients were ASA II (ASA I: n = 14, 9 %, ASA II: n = 82, 56 %, ASA III: n = 51, 35 %). No intraoperative complications occurred, postoperative complications consisted of superficial wound hematoma (n = 6, 3.7 %) and infection (n = 1, 0.6 %), seroma (n = 7, 3.8 %), urinary retention (n = 3, 1.8 %) and ilioguinal pain syndrome (n = 3, 3.8 %). The total amount of postoperative analgesic consumption was 4.9 ± 1.8 g Novalgin for about 4 ± 3 days. The duration of postoperative hospitalization was 2 ± 1 days and limitation of daily activities 6 ± 3 days. Clinical examinations after 3 months revealed no recurrence or late complications. Investigation of quality of life showed a significant improvement in the SF36 domains of physical activity, pain, vitality, and social functioning after the operation. No significant change was observed for physical, emotional, and global health.
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  • 22
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    Der Chirurg 71 (2000), S. 1132-1137 
    ISSN: 1433-0385
    Keywords: Schlüsselwörter: Polytrauma ; Lebensqualität ; demographische Prädikatoren ; therapieabhängige Prädikatoren. ; Keywords: Multiple trauma ; Quality of life ; Demographic factors ; Injury related factors.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Description / Table of Contents: Abstract. This study investigated multiple trauma patients, who were injured between 1991 and 1995 and treated in our department. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of quality of life after multiple trauma. From a total of 186 patients 173 (93 %) were examined. The patients were asked to rate their quality of life according to the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and to a visual analogue scale (VAS). The VAS and the NHP isolated the age of the patients, the duration of artificial respiration, and the duration of rehabilitation as the predictors for a reduced overall quality of life. These results show that quality of life after multiple trauma not only depends on the severity of injury but also on demographic and psychosocial factors.
    Notes: Zusammenfassung. Ziel dieser Studie war es, Prädikatoren zu identifizieren, die die erreichbare Lebensqualität polytraumatisierter Patienten nach Abschluß ihrer klinischen und rehabilitativen Therapie determinieren. Es wurden 173 Patienten nachuntersucht, die in den Jahren 1991–1995 ein Polytrauma per definitionem erlitten hatten. Die posttraumatische Lebensqualität der Patienten wurde mit den international etablierten Meßinstrumenten Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) und einer visuellen Analogskala (VAS) bewertet. Über die VAS und den NHP ließen sich global das Alter der Patienten zum Zeitpunkt der Polytraumatisierung, die Beatmungsdauer und die Rehabilitationsdauer als hochsignifikante Determinanten der posttraumatischen Lebensqualität differenzieren. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, daß die erreichbare Lebensqualität nach Polytrauma nicht nur von der Schwere der Verletzungen, sondern auch von vorbestehenden, therapeutisch nicht zu beeinflussenden demographischen und psychosozialen Daten abhängig ist.
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  • 23
    ISSN: 1433-0407
    Keywords: Schlüsselwörter Morbus Parkinson ; Neuropsychologie ; Psychologische Tests ; Lebensqualität ; Keywords Parkinson's disease ; Neuropsychology ; Psychological tests ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Description / Table of Contents: Summary In addition to the motor symptoms of Morbus Parkinson, a number of cognitive and emotional changes take place. The diagnosis of these concomitant symptoms has received increasing attention in research and clinical practice. Global rating scales offer economical advantages but generally do not satisfy the requirements of psychometric criteria, and they do not suffice in light of the multidimensional symptoms of the disease. Based on recent research results, recommendations from the CAPSIT protocol (Core Assessment Program for Surgical Interventional Therapies) for diagnosis of neurosurgically treated Parkinson's patients, and the restraints of everyday clinical work, we propose a standardized neuropsychological diagnostic routine. It includes diagnostic methods that are in use internationally and so timesaving and easily accessible that they can be considered suitable for routine diagnostics. Data comparison among various treatment centers can thus take place more easily. We have included only methods that differentiate well and whose test criteria offer a basis for thorough consultation as well as planning and evaluation of multidimensional therapy.
    Notes: Zusammenfassung Neben den motorischen Symptomen treten beim Morbus Parkinson eine Reihe kognitiver und emotionaler Veränderungen auf. Die Diagnostik dieser Begleitsymptome hat in den letzten Jahren nicht nur im Bereich der Forschung, sondern auch in der klinischen Praxis zunehmend an Bedeutung gewonnen. Globale Ratingskalen genügen trotz ihrer ökonomischen Vorteile in der Regel nicht den Anforderungen psychometrischer Testgütekriterien und werden der Multidimensionalität der Erkrankung nicht gerecht. Basierend auf dem aktuellen Stand der Forschung, den Empfehlungen des CAPSIT-Protokolls zur Diagnostik neurochirurgisch behandelter Parkinsonpatienten sowie den Erfordernissen der klinischen Praxis wird eine Testbatterie zur standardisierten neuropsychologischen Routinediagnostik vorgeschlagen. Sie umfasst diagnostische Verfahren, die zeitökonomisch, gut zugänglich und international verbreitet sind, um in der Routinediagnostik eingesetzt werden zu können und den Austausch zwischen verschiedenen Zentren zu vereinfachen. Es wurden nur Verfahren berücksichtigt, deren Differenziertheit und Testgüte Grundlage für eine fundierte Beratung sein können sowie solche, die für die Planung und Evaluation einer multidimensionalen Therapie geeignet sind.
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  • 24
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    Der Urologe 39 (2000), S. 527-529 
    ISSN: 1433-0563
    Keywords: Schlüsselwörter Interstitielle Zystitis ; Epidemiologie ; Inzidenz ; Prävalenz ; Lebensqualität ; Keywords Interstitial cystitis ; Epidemiology ; Incidence ; Prevalence ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Description / Table of Contents: Abstract Available data on the epidemiology of interstitial cystitis (IC) are heterogeneous. Its prevalence ranges between 16 and 510 females/100,000 inhabitants and the incidence at 1.2–2.6/100,000 females with a mean age of 42–52 years. The disease tends to affect women (female:male ratio 9–10:1) and Caucasians (〉90%). The quality of life of patients suffering from IC is reduced to a significant degree in almost every aspect (work, social events, leisure activities). Financial expenses (medical as well as economical) associated with the disease are considerable. There is an enormous need to promote IC education and research in order to support affected patients effectively in the future.
    Notes: Zusammenfassung Die vorliegenden Daten zur Epidemiologie der interstitiellen Zystitis sind sehr heterogen. Die Prävalenz beträgt 16–510 Frauen/100.000 Einwohner, die Inzidenz liegt zwischen 1,2–2,6 /100.000 Frauen mit einem mittleren Alter bei Diagnosestellung von 42–52 Jahren. Die Geschlechterverteilung bevorzugt das weibliche im Verhältnis zum männlichen Geschlecht (9–10 Frauen/1 Mann) mit einer ethnischen Bevorzugung der Kaukasier (〉90%). Die Lebensqualität der betroffenen Patienten ist in fast allen Lebensbereichen (Arbeit, Soziales, Freizeit) signifikant eingeschränkt. Die Kosten (sowohl medizinisch als auch volkswirtschaftlich) sind erheblich. Es besteht ein enormer Weiterbildungs- und Forschungsbedarf, um durch einen besseren Kenntnisstand den Patient(inn)en mit IC wirkungsvoll helfen zu können.
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  • 25
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    Der Orthopäde 29 (2000), S. 987-993 
    ISSN: 1433-0431
    Keywords: Schlüsselwörter Behinderungen ; Integration von Behinderten ; Lebensqualität ; Gesellschaftliche Einstellungen ; Sport ; Paralympiade ; Keywords Disabilities ; Integration of disabled persons ; Quality of life ; Social attitudes ; Sports ; Paralympics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Description / Table of Contents: Abstract It is important to reflect back on the enormous changes that have taken place in society over the past century that have affected the quality of life of disabled persons and societal attitudes towards disability. Although great progress has been made, these people remain marginalized and disadvantaged, and despite all the efforts of volunteers, professionals, and governments, we cannot categorically state that they are fully socially integrated. The term disability continues to carry an enormous stigma, and therefore it is important to examine the concept of social integration and the issues around it as they affect disabled persons and the role of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) movement in achieving this end.
    Notes: Zusammenfassung Nach Ablauf des letzten Jahrhunderts ist es wichtig auf die enormen gesellschaftlichen Veränderungen zurückzublicken und darauf, wie dieser Wandel die gesellschaftlichen Einstellungen gegenüber Behinderungen und die Lebensqualität von Behinderten verändert hat. Obwohl große Fortschritte gemacht wurden sind Behinderte immer noch eine benachteiligte Randgruppe; trotz aller Anstrengungen von Freiwilligen, Fachpersonal und Regierungen kann man noch nicht behaupten, dass sie voll gesellschaftlich integriert sind. Der Begriff “Behinderung” beinhaltet weiterhin ein großes Stigma. Deshalb ist es wichtig, das Konzept und die verschiedenen Aspekte der sozialen Intergration von Behinderten zu prüfen und die Rolle des Internationalen Paralympischen Kommittees (IPC) zur Verwirklichung dieser Ziele darzustellen.
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  • 26
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    Der Unfallchirurg 103 (2000), S. 371-374 
    ISSN: 1433-044X
    Keywords: Schlüsselwörter Knieendoprothese ; Lebensqualitätsgewinn ; Key words Knee endoprosthesis ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Description / Table of Contents: Abstract From a group of 41 consecutive patients receiving an endoprosthetic knee replacement 35 patients underwent complete pre- and postoperative documentation of life quality in the short term follow-up. The comparison of pre- and postoperative life quality assessment with the SF-36 form showed significant differences on the 5% level for the categories “somatic pain” and “psychological wellness”. The parameter “somatic functionality” showed with a P-value of 0.0616 almost significant improvement. The other parameters also showed improved values without reaching statistical significance. In summary, after implantation of a total knee replacement an improvement of life quality can be documented.
    Notes: Zusammenfassung Aus einem Gesamtkollektiv von 41 nacheinander operierten Patienten konnten bei 35 Daten hinsichtlich der allgemeinen Lebensqualität im kurzfristigen Verlauf dokumentiert werden. Bei der Untersuchung der prä und post-operativen Lebensqualität mit Hilfe des SF-36-Scores zeigten sich auf dem 5-%-Niveau eine signifikante Verbesserung in den Kategorien “Körperliche Schmerzen” und “psychisches Wohlbefinden”. Mit einem P-Wert von p = 0,0616 kann eine fast signifikante Verbesserung in der körperlichen Funktionsfähigkeit konstatiert werden. Weitere 5 untersuchte Unterpunkte zeigten keine signifikante Verbesserung, jedoch bessere Werte bei den errechneten Mittelwerten. Zusammenfassend ist festzustellen, daß die Implantation einer Knieendoprothese zu einem deutlichen Gewinn in der Lebensqualität des kranken Menschen führt.
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  • 27
    ISSN: 1437-7772
    Keywords: Key words Gastric carcinoma ; Isolated hepatic recurrence ; Arterial infusion therapy ; Low-dose CDDP and continuous 5-FU ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Patients with metachronous liver metastasis after curative resection of gastric carcinoma generally have a poor prognosis, even when recurrence is confined to the liver. We report a patient in whom hepatic arterial infusion therapy with bolus low-dose cisplatin (CDDP) and continuous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was effective against large metastases confined to the liver. An 83-year-old man was admitted with huge liver metastases from gastric carcinoma. Intra-arterial bolus injection of low-dose CDDP (5 mg) and continuous intra-arterial infusion of 5-FU (250 mg/day for 7 days) was started. After four courses of this arterial infusion therapy, computed tomography scans revealed shrinkage of the liver metastases. He was followed-up as an outpatient and continued to receive the arterial infusion therapy once every 4 weeks. Throughout the course of the chemotherapy, a partial response of the liver metastases was maintained. The patient had an improved quality of life after starting the chemotherapy, and he survived for 16 months from the commencement of the therapy. Arterial infusion therapy with bolus low-dose CDDP and continuous 5-FU may be recommended for patients with isolated hepatic recurrence of gastric carcinoma.
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  • 28
    ISSN: 1433-8726
    Keywords: Key words Bladder neoplasm ; Quality of life ; QLQ-C30 ; Cystectomy ; Ileal conduit ; Orthotopic neobladder ; Urinary diversion
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The impact of bladder removal and urinary diversion for patients' everyday life is largely unknown. The aims of this study were to compare subjective morbidity of ileal neobladder to the urethra versus ileal conduit urinary diversion and to elucidate its influence on quality of life. A total of 102 patients who underwent cystectomy due to a bladder malignancy were included in the study. In 69 patients (67.6%) an orthotopic neobladder and in 33 patients (32.4%) an ileal conduit was performed as urinary diversion. The compliance was 99% and mean follow-up was 37 months. All patients completed two retrospective quality of life questionnaires, namely the QLQ-C30 and a questionnaire developed at our institution to ask for urinary diversion specific items. The questioning and assessment was performed by non-urologists. The results obtained from the validated (QLQ-C30) and our own specially compiled questionnaire clearly demonstrate that patients with an orthotopic neobladder are more able to adapt to the new situation than patients with an ileal conduit. In addition, neobladder to the urethra improves the quality of life because it improves self-confidence, causes better rehabilitation as well as the restoration of leisure, professional, travelling, and social activities, and reduced risk of inadvertent loss of urine. For example, 92.8% of neobladder patients did not feel handicapped at all, and 87% did not feel sick or ill, in contrast to 51.5% and 66.7% of ileal conduit patients, respectively. Of the neobladder patients, 74.6% felt absolutely safe with the urinary diversion in contrast to 33.3% in the ileal conduit group. Only 1.5% of neobladder patients had wet clothes caused by urine leakage during the day, versus 48.5% of ileal conduit patients. Moreover, 97% of our neobladder patients would recommend the same urinary diversion to a friend suffering from the same disease, but only 36% of ileal conduit patients would do so. These results demonstrate that the quality of life is preserved to a higher degree after orthotopic neobladder than after ileal conduit urinary diversion.
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  • 29
    ISSN: 1572-9737
    Keywords: conservation genetics ; Equus ; evolution ; mitochondrial DNA control region ; mitochondrial 12S rRNA
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The evolution, taxonomy and conservation of the genus Equuswere investigated by examining the mitochondrial DNA sequences of thecontrol region and 12S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic analysis of thesesequences provides further evidence that the deepest node in thephylogeny of the extant species is a divergence between twolineages; one leading to the ancestor of modern horses (E.ferus, domestic and przewalskii) and the other to thezebra and ass ancestor, with the later speciation events of the zebrasand asses occurring either as one or more rapid radiations, or withextensive secondary contact after speciation. Examination of the geneticdiversity within species suggested that two of the E. hemionussubspecies (E. h. onager and E. h. kulan) onlyrecently diverged, and perhaps, are insufficiently different to beclassified as separate subspecies. The genetic divergence betweendomestic and wild forms of E. ferus (horse) and E.africanus (African ass) was no greater than expected within anequid species. In E. burchelli (plains zebra) there was anindication of mtDNA divergence between populations increasing withdistance. The implications of these results for equid conservation arediscussed and recommendations are made for conservation action.
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  • 30
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    Journal of the history of biology 33 (2000), S. 457-491 
    ISSN: 1573-0387
    Keywords: J. B. S. Haldane ; biology ; politics ; genetics ; evolution ; population genetics ; physiology ; Darwinism ; experimental biology ; eugenics ; Britain ; Russia ; India ; Soviet ; Communism ; socialism ; philosophy ; vision ; literature ; popularization ; religion ; human experimentation ; bioethics ; Venus ; Mars ; science fiction ; technocracy ; futurology ; H. G. Wells ; Julian Huxley ; Olaf Stapledon ; C. S. Lewis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , History
    Notes: Abstract This paper seeks to reinterpret the life and work of J. B. S. Haldane by focusing on an illuminating but largely ignored essay he published in1927, “The Last Judgment” – the sequel to his better known work, Daedalus (1924). This astonishing essay expresses a vision of the human future over the next 40,000,000 years, one that revises and updates Wellsian futurism with the long range implications of the “new biology” for human destiny. That vision served as a kind of lifelong credo, one that infused and informed his diverse scientific work, political activities, and popular writing, and that gave unity and coherence to his remarkable career.
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  • 31
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    Journal of the history of biology 33 (2000), S. 221-246 
    ISSN: 1573-0387
    Keywords: August Weismann ; ciliates ; Clifford Dobell ; cytology ; death ; Emile Maupas ; evolution ; Herbert Spencer Jennings ; Otto Bütschli ; Paramecium ; rejuvenescence ; sex
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , History
    Notes: Abstract In the period 1875–1920, a debate about the generality and applicability of evolutionary theory to all organisms was motivated by work on unicellular ciliates like Paramecium because of their peculiar nuclear dualism and life cycles. The French cytologist Emile Maupas and the German zoologist August Weismann argued in the 1880s about the evolutionary origins and functions of sex (which in the ciliates is not linked to reproduction), and death (which appeared to be the inevitable fate of lineages denied sexual conjugation), an argument rooted in the question of whether the ciliates and their processes where homologous to other cellular organisms. In the beginning of the twentieth century, this question of homology came to be less important as the ciliates were used by the British protozoologist Clifford Dobell and the American zoologist Herbert Spencer Jennings to study evolutionary processes in general rather than problems of development and cytology. For them, homology mattered less than analogy. This story illustrates two partially distinct problems in evolutionary biology: first, the question of whether all living things have common features and origins; and second, whether their history and current nature can be described by identical mechanisms. Where Maupas (contra Weismann) made the ciliates qualitatively the same as all other organisms in order to create a cohesive evolutionary theory for biology, Jennings and Dobell made them qualitatively different in order to achieve the same end.
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  • 32
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    Anatomy and embryology 202 (2000), S. 281-290 
    ISSN: 1432-0568
    Keywords: Key words Extracellular matrix ; cartilage ; bone ; evolution ; lamprey ; agnathan
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Previous evidence from our laboratories showed that collagen is not the major matrix protein of the cartilaginous endoskeleton of the lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). Here we have characterized the cartilage matrix proteins of the only other extant agnathan, the hagfish (Myxine glutinosa). Using morphological, immunochemical and biochemical methods, we show that the structural proteins of the cartilaginous endoskeleton of the hagfish are also non-collagenous in nature. Although these hagfish cartilage proteins share properties both with each other and with lamprey cartilage proteins, including resistance to solubilization with cyanogen bromide and an usual amino acid composition rich in glycine and non-polar amino acids, it is clear that at least two and probably more hagfish cartilage proteins can be distinguished, with distinct distributions in different cartilage structures. Furthermore, in spite of their similarities, matrix proteins from hagfish cartilage are not identical to the proteins we have previously characterized in lamprey cartilage. These results suggest the existence of a larger family of similar but not identical proteins that form the major structural elements of cartilage tissues of agnathans. These data also support our previous conclusion that type II collagen became the predominant structural protein of cartilage only after the divergence of the agnathans from the ancestral line of the vertebrates.
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  • 33
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    European journal of pediatrics 159 (2000), S. 268-272 
    ISSN: 1432-1076
    Keywords: Key words Glycogen storage disease type 1b ; Portacaval shunt ; Ferrit MRI of liver adenoma ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  In two girls with glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 1b, terminolateral portacaval shunt (PCS) with partial circular resection of the lobus quadratus of the liver was performed at the age of 12 and 10 years, respectively. At that time, the patients had a height of −3.1 and −1.7 SDS, respectively. PCS resulted in a spectacular growth spurt of 35 cm within the first 5 years after surgery in both of them. As first sign of puberty, breast enlargement started 2.5 years after PCS in both patients. Improved glucose tolerance was evidenced by increased levels of blood glucose and insulin after PCS. Diet with raw cornstarch (CS), 2g/kg body weight four times daily, was started 8 years after PCS in patient 1, but initiated with nightly gastric feeding at the age of 2 years in patient 2, 8 years before PCS. Treatment with recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhGCSF), 6 μg/kg body weight every 36–48 h, was started 20 years after PCS in patient 1, but only 1 month before PCS in patient 2. Progressive development of up to 7–8 liver adenomas was observed after PCS, but without conclusive signs of malignancy on Ferrit MRI. The PCS is still open 23 and 7 years after PCS, respectively. Terminolateral PCS with partial circular resection of the lobus quadratus of the liver associated with dietary control and rhGCSF might still have a place in the treatment of GSD type 1b because it improves the tolerance to fasting and the quality of life and moreover yields excellent metabolic control. Conclusion Treatment of glycogen storage disease type 1b by portacaval shunt might be considered in patients with height-for-age below the 3rd percentile occurring in spite of dietary control, or before considering liver transplantation which, if necessary, can still be performed after shunt surgery.
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  • 34
    ISSN: 1432-1459
    Keywords: Key words Motor neurone disease ; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ; SF-36 ; Carer Strain Index ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The measurement of functioning and well-being from the perspective of the patient has in recent years become central to the assessment of health and the evaluation of treatment regimes. The past decade has seen an enormous growth in the application of measures designed to assess quality of life in a vast array of medical specialities. However, the use of such measures in neurology has been relatively limited, and this has certainly been the case in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The European ALS Health Profile Study is a longitudinal survey of patients diagnosed with ALS or other motor neurone diseases in which patients are aksed to complete questionnaires concerning their subjective health status. Data from clinical assessments are also collected. It is intended that the information collected will provide more systematic and detailed evidence of the impact of the disease from the perspective of the patient. This contribution documents results from baseline assessment obtained from data supplied by clinicians, carers and patients themselves. Three outcome measured are assessed in this paper: the SF-36, a generic measure of well being and functioning, the ALS Functinal Rating Scale and the Carer Strain Index. The evidence presented here suggests that these measures provide a meaningful and valid picture of the impact of the disease. The data indicate that ALS has substantial adverse effects both upon the functioning and well being of patients and carers, as well as an association between the emotional health status of patients and carers, and between the physical health status of patients and carers.
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  • 35
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    Archives of gynecology and obstetrics 264 (2000), S. 51-53 
    ISSN: 1432-0711
    Keywords: Key words Self-expanding metallic endovascular stents ; Endometrial cancer ; Iliac vein thrombosis ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  There are few cases, to our knowledge, that report the successful treatment of iliac venous stenosis due to gynecologic malignancies with the use of self- expanding metallic endovascular stents. Our patient, who had right lower limb edema, had iliac lymph node metastases which caused iliac vein stenosis by direct invasion from endometrial cancer. The patient was not considered to be a good surgical candidate. A 10-mm diameter self-expanding metallic endovascular stent was placed in the external iliac vein. The patient’s symptoms of right lower limb edema improved dramatically, and she was discharged at 3 weeks after stent placement. The patient had no further symptoms, with continued resolution of the right leg edema during the 10 months following stent placement, at which time she died from the primary disease. The treatment to this patient with a self-expanding metallic endovascular stent proved to be very efficacious and less stressful than direct venous reconstruction or femorofemoral venous bypass grafting. In addition, this procedure dramatically improved the patient’s quality of life.
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  • 36
    ISSN: 1433-7339
    Keywords: Key words Cancer ; Fatigue ; Depression ; Symptom management ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract  Fatigue is one of the most frequent symptoms in cancer patients. However, the precise causes of this fatigue are still unknown, and this situation makes it difficult to combat the problem. The present study was conducted to investigate factors correlated with fatigue in disease-free breast cancer patients. A group of 134 randomly selected ambulatory breast cancer patients who had undergone successful surgical treatment participated. They completed the Cancer Fatigue Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, and an ad hoc questionnaire detailing physical symptoms, social support, and demographic variables at home and returned them by mail the following day. Multiple regression analysis revealed that fatigue was significantly correlated with dyspnea, insufficient sleep, and depression, and that these three variables accounted for a total of 46% of variance in fatigue. Factors concerned with the cancer and treatment, such as disease stage, lymph node metastasis, number of days since operation, past intravenous chemotherapy, radiotherapy, current use of fluoropyrimidine compounds, and current use of tamoxifen citrate were not correlated with fatigue. The results suggest that fatigue in this population is determined by current physical and psychological distress rather than by the cancer itself and prior cancer treatments, and that the management of dyspnea, insomnia, and depression might be important in reducing fatigue in this population.
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  • 37
    ISSN: 1433-8491
    Keywords: Key words Obsessive-compulsive disorder ; Subclinical OCD ; Epidemiology ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Background: Despite the worldwide relevance of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) there are considerable differences in prevalence rates and gender ratios between the studies and a substantial lack of prevalence data on subclinical OCD. Moreover, data on quality of life and on psychosocial function of subjects with OCD and subclinical OCD in the general population are missing to date. Methods: German versions of the DMS-IV adapted Composite International Diagnostic Interview were administered to a representative sample of 4075 persons aged 18–64 years living in a northern Germany region. Specific DSM-IV based criteria for subclinical OCD were used. Results: The life-time prevalence rates for OCD and subclinical OCD were 0.5% and 2%, respectively. Twelve month prevalence rates were 0.39% and 1.6%, respectively. The gender female:male ratio was 5.7 in OCD and 1.2 in subclinical OCD. In various measures of psychosocial function and quality of life, OCD and subclinical OCD were significantly impaired. However, subclinical OCD subjects did not visit mental health professionals more often than controls. Conclusion: Due to different epidemiological characteristics subclinical OCD might represent a syndrome distinct from OCD which is also associated with significant impairments in personal and interpersonal functions and in quality of life.
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  • 38
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    The environmentalist 20 (2000), S. 257-271 
    ISSN: 1573-2991
    Keywords: evolution ; tides ; sea level ; time series
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract The increasing use of computers since the 1960s, has implied the digitization of observations in meteorology, oceanography and other observational sciences. Enough data has been accumulated to suggest that some patterns of evolution in the world may be discernable. The present article deals with what appears as changing tides around Canada.
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  • 39
    ISSN: 1573-4927
    Keywords: ancient endogenous provirus ; evolution ; retrotransposition
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract A new family of murine endogenous proviruses (VL6.0) is described here. The intact provirus is near 6 kb in length and shows a genomic organization of 5" LTR, gag, pol, env, and 3" LTR. The primer binding site (PBS) is that of a tRNAgly. The lack of functional open reading frames and occurrence of significant gaps in most, if not all, members of this group show it to be ancient. Our estimate of copy number per haploid genome is 30+. Members of this group have been isolated from Mus musculus domesticus, M. m. casteneus, M. m. hortulanus, M. caroli, and M. spretus. The occurrence of these sequences throughout such diverse members of the genus Mus may indicate that the date of the original infection predated the divergence of the extant Mus lineages at around 2.5 million years ago. Analysis of gap (deletion/insertion) patterns indicates that these sequences may have proliferated within the Mus genome by a mechanism of reverse transcriptase-mediated transposition. As yet, there are no closely related murine retroviruses described. The closest mammalian retrovirus based on sequence similarity is from the miniature swine (Sus scrofa).
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  • 40
    ISSN: 1618-2545
    Keywords: biogeography ; calmodulin ; DNA sequence ; elongation factor EF-1α ; evolution
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Phylogenetic relationships within theGibberella fujikuroi species complex were extended to newly discovered strains using nucleotide characters obtained by sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified DNA from 4 loci used in a previous study [nuclear large subunit 28S rDNA, nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, mitochondriaal small subunit (mtSSU) ribosomal DNA, and β-tubulin] together with two newly sampled protein-encoding nuclear genes, translation elongation factor EF-1α and calmodulin. Sequences from the ribosomal ITS region were analyzed separately and found to contain of two highly divergent, nonorthologous ITS2 types. Phylogenetic analysis of the individual and combined datasets identified 10 new phylogenetically distinct species distributed among the following three areas: 2 within Asia and 4 within both Africa and South America. Hypotheses of the monophyly ofFusarium subglutinans and its two formae speciales, f. sp.pini and f. sp.ananas, were strongly rejected by a likelihood analysis. Maximum parsimony results further indicate that the protein-encoding nuclear genes provide considerably more phylogenetic signal that the ribosomal genes sequenced. Relative apparent synapomorphy analysis was used to detect long-branch attraction taxa and to obtain a statistical measure of phylogenetic signal in the individual and combined datasets.
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  • 41
    ISSN: 1618-2545
    Keywords: Ascomycota ; evolution ; pyrenomycetes ; systematics
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract To investigate the systematic position of the unitunicate pyremomycetePapulosa amerospora, we performed phylogenetic analyses of SSU rDNA sequences from 37 ascomycetes. Among these sequences were some new ones from taxa that might be related toPapulosa: Hyponectriaceae (Hyponectria buxi, Monographella nivalis), Phyllachorales (Phyllachora graminis), and Xylariales (Barrmaelia melanotes, Poronia punctata). Our results showed 100% bootstrap support for a clade of all unitunicate pyrenomycetes, the class Sordariomycetes. We also found strong support for recognizing the subclasses Hypocreomycetidae and Xylariomycetidae. The remaining taxa, belonging to subclass Sordariomycetidae, appeared as a polyphyletic group in one analysis, but was monophyletic when shorter SSU sequences were used.Barrmaelia melanotes, Poronia punctata, Hyponectria buxi, andMonographella nivalis are members of Xylariomycetidae, but we could not determine whetherMonographella should be included in Hyponectriaceae. The new family Papulosaceae is erected forPapulosa on molecular and morphological bases, but the exact systematic position ofPapulosa within subclass Sordariomycetidae is still uncertain, since the genus did not cluster consistently with any of the included taxa. Phyllachorales are not closely related to Diaporthales, as previously suggested.
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  • 42
    ISSN: 1615-6722
    Keywords: Schlüsselwörter Koronare Herzerkrankung ; Perkutane transluminale Koronarangioplastie (PTCA) ; Angina pectoris ; Lebensqualität ; Anschlußheilbehandlung ; Key words Coronary artery disease ; Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) ; angina pectoris ; Quality of life ; Rehabilitation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Description / Table of Contents: Abstract Background: Quality control becomes increasingly important in interventional cardiology. Since in most health care systems, clinical treatment of patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is left to general practitioners, important information on the clinical long-term outcome is lost for the cardiologic centers. Aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical status of these patients 4 years after treatment with a PTCA at our institution. Patients and Methods: Inclusion criterion was the treatment with a PTCA within July 1, 1989 to June 30, 1991 (549 Patients). A questionnaire was sent to all patients (45±7 months after PTCA). Four time-points were defined: before PTCA (T1), directly after PTCA (T2), 3 months after PTCA (T3) and actual status (T4). Results: Questionnaires of 500/549 (91,1%) patients could be analyzed. One-hundred and fifteen patients (23%) had to undergo reinterventions: 69 (13.8%) had a re-PTCA and 46 (9.2%) patients an operative revascularization. At T4, 11.2% patients still had disturbing angina. Within the study period 35 patients (7%) died. Two-hundred and nineteen patients attended a rehabilitation institution. At T4, the amount of patients with little angina was not different comparing patients with/without the attendance of a rehabilitation institution (60.7% vs 66.4% p = 0.29). The rate of new pensioners after PTCA (n = 114 [22.8%] was higher in the group of patients who attended a rehabilitation (68 patients [13.6%] with vs 48 patients [9.2%] without attendance, p = 0.0036). The attendance of a rehabilitation institution, however, had positive effects on changes of the life stile and eating habits. Conclusions: This retrospective inquiry was found to be a useful tool (response rate 91.1%) for quality control in interventional cardiology. Important information concerning the quality of the interventions (low reintervention rate) and the long-term outcome of our patients (low rate with severe angina at T4) could be aquired.
    Notes: Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Die Qualitätskontrolle gewinnt in der interventionellen Kardiologie zunehmend an Bedeutung. Da aber die Nachbetreuung von Patienten, die mit einer perkutanen transluminalen Koronarangioplastie (PTCA) behandelt wurden, meist durch die jeweiligen Hausärzte durchgeführt wird, gehen dem kardiologischen Zentrum wichtige Informationen hinsichtlich des klinischen Langzeitverlaufs verloren. Ziel dieser retrospektiven Studie war daher, den klinischen Status dieser Patienten vier Jahre nach der Behandlung mit einer PTCA an unserer Institution zu untersuchen. Patienten und Methode: Einschlußkriterium war die Behandlung mit einer PTCA im Zeitraum vom 1.7.1989 bis 30.6.1991 (549 Patienten). Zur Erhebung der Langzeitergebnisse (45±7 Monate nach PTCA) wurde den Patienten ein Fragebogen zugesandt. Vier Erhebungszeitpunkte wurden definiert: vor PTCA (T1), direkt nach PTCA (T2), drei Monate nach PTCA (T3) und zum Erhebungszeitpunkt (T4). Ergebnisse: Fragebögen von 500/549 (91,1%) Patienten kamen zur Auswertung. 115 (23%) Patienten mußten sich einer Reintervention unterziehen (PTCA: 69 Patienten [13,8%], aortokoronare Venen-Bypass-(ACVB-)Operation: 46 Patienten [9,2%]). Zu T4 hatten 11,2% Patienten stärkere Angina-pectoris-Beschwerden. 35 Patienten (7%) waren im Erhebungszeitraum verstorben. 219 Patienten (52%) nahmen an einer Anschlußheilbehandlung teil. Zu T4 waren diese Patienten nicht häufiger beschwerdefrei als Patienten ohne Anschlußheilbehandlung (60,7% vs. 66,4%, p = 0,29). Der Anteil der nach Intervention neu berenteten Patienten (n = 114 [22,8%] war in der Gruppe mit Anschlußheilbehandlung höher (68 Patienten [13,6%] mit Anschlußheilbehandlung vs. 46 Patienten [9,2%] ohne Anschlußheilbehandlung, p = 0,0036). Positiven Einfluß hatte die Teilnahme an einer Anschlußheilbehandlung auf Änderungen des Lebensstils und der Eßgewohnheiten. Schlußfolgerung: Diese retrospektive Befragung erwies sich als sinnvoll (Antwortrate 91,1%), um Daten zur Qualitätskontrolle zu erheben. Wichtige Informationen sowohl hinsichtlich der Qualität der Koronarinterventionen (niedrige Reinterventionsrate) als auch hinsichtlich des klinischen Langzeitverlaufs (niedriger Anteil von Patienten mit schwerer Symptomatik nach vier Jahren) konnten hierdurch gewonnen werden.
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  • 43
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    Glycoconjugate journal 17 (2000), S. 465-483 
    ISSN: 1573-4986
    Keywords: N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases ; glycosylation ; glycoproteins ; Golgi complex ; evolution ; development
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract This review covers discoveries made over the past 30–35 years that were important to our understanding of the synthetic pathway required for initiation of the antennae or branches on complex N-glycans and O-glycans. The review deals primarily with the author's contributions but the relevant work of other laboratories is also discussed. The focus of the review is almost entirely on the glycosyltransferases involved in the process. The following topics are discussed. (1) The localization of the synthesis of complex N-glycan antennae to the Golgi apparatus. (2) The “evolutionary boundary” at the stage in N-glycan processing where there is a change from oligomannose to complex N-glycans; this switch correlates with the appearance of multicellular organisms. (3) The discovery of the three enzymes which play a key role in this switch, N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases I and II and mannosidase II. (4) The “yellow brick road” which leads from oligomannose to highly branched complex N-glycans with emphasis on the enzymes involved in the process and the factors which control the routes of synthesis. (5) A short discussion of the characteristics of the enzymes involved and of the genes that encode them. (6) The role of complex N-glycans in mammalian and Caenorhabditis elegans development. (7) The crystal structure of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I. (8) The discovery of the enzymes which synthesize O-glycan cores 1, 2, 3 and 4 and their elongation.
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  • 44
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    Journal of bioeconomics 2 (2000), S. 9-23 
    ISSN: 1573-6989
    Keywords: evolution ; altruism ; morality ; utilitarianism ; Marxism ; Rawls ; fairness
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Economics
    Notes: Abstract Several evolutionary mechanisms have been identified in the literature that would generate altruism in humans. The most powerful (except for kin selection) and most controversial is group selection, as recently analyzed by Sober & D.S. Wilson. I do not take a stand on the issue of the existence of group selection. Instead, I examine the level of human altruism that could exist if group selection were an engine of human evolution. For the Sober & Wilson mechanism to work, groups practicing altruism must grow faster than other groups. I call altruistic behavior that would lead to faster growth ‘efficient altruism’. This often consists of cooperation in a prisoner's dilemma. ltruistic acts such as helping a temporarily hungry or injured person would qualify as efficient altruism. Efficient altruism would also require monitoring recipients to avoid shirking. Utilitarianism would be an ethical system consistent with efficient altruism, but Marxism or the Rawlsian system would not. Discussions of efficient altruism also help understand intuitions about fairness. We perceive those behaviors as ‘fair’ that are consistent with efficient altruism. It is important to understand that, even if humans are selected to be altruistic, the forms of altruism that might exist must be carefully considered and ircumscribed.
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  • 45
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    Biology and philosophy 15 (2000), S. 443-463 
    ISSN: 1572-8404
    Keywords: David Hull ; evolution ; selection
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Philosophy
    Notes: Abstract One of the principal difficulties in assessing Science as aProcess (Hull 1988) is determining the relationship between the various elements of Hull's theory. In particular, it is hard to understand precisely how conceptual selection is related to Hull's account of the social dynamics of science. This essay aims to clarify the relation between these aspects of his theory by examining his discussion of the``demic structure'' of science. I conclude that the social account cando significant explanatory work independently of the selectionistaccount. Further, I maintain that Hull's treatment of the demicstructure of science points us toward an important set of issues insocial epistemology. If my reading of Science as a Process iscorrect, then most of Hull's critics (e.g., those who focus solelyon his account of conceptual selection) have ignored promisingaspects of his theory.
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  • 46
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    Biology and philosophy 15 (2000), S. 493-508 
    ISSN: 1572-8404
    Keywords: complexity ; entropy balance ; environment independence ; evolution ; information fundamental identity ; uncertainty
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Philosophy
    Notes: Abstract Some real objects show a very particular tendency: that of becomingindependent with regard to the uncertainty of their surroundings. This isachieved by the exchange of three quantities: matter, energy andinformation. A conceptual framework, based on both Non-equilibriumThermodynamic and the Mathematical Theory of Communication is proposedin order to review the concept of change in living individuals. Three mainsituations are discussed in this context: passive independence inconnection with resistant living forms (such as seeds, spores, hibernation,...), active independence in connection with the life span of aliving individual (whether an ant or an ant farm), and the newindependence in connection with the general debate of biological evolution.
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  • 47
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    Biology and philosophy 15 (2000), S. 641-668 
    ISSN: 1572-8404
    Keywords: complexity ; evolution ; function ; modularity ; parts
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Philosophy
    Notes: Abstract The functional complexity, or the number of functions, of organisms hasfigured prominently in certain theoretical and empirical work inevolutionary biology. Large-scale trends in functional complexity andcorrelations between functional complexity and other variables, such assize, have been proposed. However, the notion of number of functions hasalso been operationally intractable, in that no method has been developedfor counting functions in an organism in a systematic and reliable way.Thus, studies have had to rely on the largely unsupported assumption thatnumber of functions can be measured indirectly, by using number ofmorphological, physiological, and behavioral “parts” as a proxy. Here, amodel is developed that supports this assumption. Specifically, the modelpredicts that few parts will have many functions overlapping in them, andtherefore the variance in number of functions per part will be low. If so,then number of parts is expected to be well correlated with number offunctions, and we can use part counts as proxies for function counts incomparative studies of organisms, even when part counts are low. Alsodiscussed briefly is a strategy for identifying certain kinds of parts inorganisms in a systematic way.
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  • 48
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    Biology and philosophy 15 (2000), S. 713-732 
    ISSN: 1572-8404
    Keywords: Darwin ; error theory ; ethics ; evolution ; evolutionary ethics ; Mackie ; naturalistic fallacy ; Ruse
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Philosophy
    Notes: Abstract Suppose that the human tendency to think of certain actions andomissions as morally required – a notion that surely lies at the heart of moral discourse – is a trait that has been naturallyselected for. Many have thought that from this premise we canjustify or vindicate moral concepts. I argue that this is mistaken, and defend Michael Ruse's view that the moreplausible implication is an error theory – the idea thatmorality is an illusion foisted upon us by evolution. Thenaturalistic fallacy is a red herring in this debate,since there is really nothing that counts as a ‘fallacy’ at all. If morality is an illusion, it appears to followthat we should, upon discovering this, abolish moraldiscourse on pain of irrationality. I argue that thisconclusion is too hasty, and that we may be able usefullyto employ a moral discourse, warts and all, withoutbelieving in it.
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  • 49
    ISSN: 1618-2545
    Keywords: Ascomycota ; evolution ; molecular clock ; plant pathogen ; powdery mildew
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Phylogenetic relationships of Erysiphales within Ascomycota were inferred from the newly determined sequences of the 18S rDNA and partial sequences of the 28S rDNA including the D1 and D2 regions of 10 Erysiphales taxa. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Erysiphales form a distinct clade among ascomycetous fungi suggesting that the Erysiphales diverged from a single ancestral taxon. The Myxotrichaceae of the Onygenales was distantly related to the other onygenalean families and was the sister group to the Erysiphales calde, with which it combined to form a clade. The Erysiphales/Myxotrichaceae clade was also closely related to some discomycetous fungi (Leotiales, Cyttariales and Thelebolaceae) including taxa that form cleistothecial ascomata. The present molecular analyses as well as previously reported morphological observations suggest the possible existence of a novel evolutionary pathway from cleistothecial discomycetous fungi to Erysiphales and Myxotrichaceae. However, since most of these fungi, except for the Erysiphales, are saprophytic on dung and/or plant materials, the questions of how and why an obligate biotroph like the Erysiphales radiated from the saprophytic fungi remain to be addressed. We also estimated the radiation time of the Erysiphales using the 18S rDNA sequences and the two molecular clockes that have been previously reported. The calculation showed that the Erysiphales split from the Myxotrichaceae 190–127 myr ago. Since the radiation time of the Erysiphales does not exceed 230 myr ago, even when allowance is made for the uncertainty of the molecular clocks, it is possible to consider that the Erysiphales evolved after the radiation of angiosperms. The results of our calculation also showed that the first radiation within the Erysiphales (138–92 myr ago) coincided with the date of a major diversification of angiosperms (130–90 myr ago). These results may support our early assumption that the radiation of the Erysiphales coincided with the evolution of angiosperm plants.
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  • 50
    ISSN: 1573-7284
    Keywords: GHQ-28 ; Ischaemic heart disease ; Mental health ; Quality of life ; SF-36 ; Validity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Objective: To assess the mental health of patients admitted to hospital with suspected ischaemic heart disease, by means of two instruments, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the MH (1–5) dimension of the SF-36 Health Survey Questionnaire, and to compare the psychometric properties of both questionnaires in this population. Methods: A study was conducted of 185 patients consecutively admitted to hospital with suspected ischaemic heart disease, classified into four groups: Acute Myocardial Infarctus (AMI), unstable angina, non-ischaemic cardiologies, and non-cardiological conditions. Their mental health was assessed by means of the GHQ-28 and the MH 1–5 sub-scales of the SF-36; the validity of the results were analysed by the association of each instrument with socio-demographic (age, sex, social class, and educational level) and clinical (co-morbidity, risk factors, diagnostic groups and background to the illness) variables. The correlation of each instrument with other sub-scales of the SF-36 was studied. The internal consistency was measured by Cronbach's α, together with the item-internal consistency and item-discriminant validity. Results: Of the population studied, 71.9% were males and the mean age was 60.2 years (SD: 10.4). The diagnosis for 33.5% was AMI and for 37.8% unstable angina. For all the variables studied, the scores in the two instruments were ordered in the same way, and were significantly worse for females and for the most disadvantaged social class. None of the scales discriminated in respect of the diagnostic group or the presence of comorbidity. However, a linear relationship was observed with risk factors. Cronbach's α was 0.95 for the GHQ-28 and 0.80 for the MH 1–5. Correlations with the other dimensions showed ranges of −0.35 to −0.61 for the GHQ-28 and of 0.26 to 0.61 for the MH 1–5. These were highest for the Vitality and Social Functioning sub-scales in both instruments. Conclusions: The subjective perception of mental health is measured in a similar way by both the MH 1–5 scale of the SF-36 and the GHQ-28. However, since the MH 1–5 questionnaire is shorter, it should be administratively easier to introduce into routine cardiological practice.
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  • 51
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    Pharmacy world & science 22 (2000), S. 31-32 
    ISSN: 1573-739X
    Keywords: Diuretics ; Drug therapy ; Elderly ; Evidence‐based ; Hypertension ; Ischaemic heart disease ; Quality of life ; Stroke ; Systematic review
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Hypertension is very common, occurring in over 50% of older people, and is a major risk factor for stroke and ischaemic heart disease. Based on systematic reviews there is evidence to show that drug treatment of hypertension in older people saves lives and prevents unnecessary morbidity. There is also strong evidence to support the use of diuretics as first line agents. Quality of life does not appear to be reduced by antihypertensive drug therapy, although more high quality research is needed. Through the use of drug treatment older people with hypertension can continue to contribute to society and live active lives.
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  • 52
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    International journal of historical archaeology 4 (2000), S. 71-112 
    ISSN: 1573-7748
    Keywords: evolution ; archaeology ; natural selection ; classification ; style ; function
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Archaeology
    Notes: Abstract Over the past decade or so, an increasing number of archaeologists have begun to show interest in employing Darwinian evolutionary theory to explain variations in the material record. Epistemological and methodological issues surrounding the implementation of Darwinian evolutionism in archaeology are numerous, the most basic of which is that Darwinism embodies a materialist perspective, whereas archaeology traditionally has maintained an essentialist outlook. Stemming from this dichotomy are fundamental differences in such things as how units are created and how they are used to measure change. As archaeologists grapple with these issues, specific examples of how Darwinian evolutionism can be used to build historical narratives and create historical explanations are appearing with more frequency, but with few exceptions, proponents have focused specifically on the prehistoric record. This gives the impression that Darwinian evolutionism is not applicable to the more-recent material record, which is decidedly not the case. The kind of evolutionism proposed here transcends the age of the record under investigation.
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  • 53
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    Journal of happiness studies 1 (2000), S. 323-349 
    ISSN: 1573-7780
    Keywords: progress ; quality of life ; happiness ; optimism ; pessimism ; social indicators ; forecasting ; world view ; evolution ; development.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Psychology
    Notes: Abstract This paper argues that both the relativist and the pessimist critiques of the idea of progress are inadequate. Progress is defined as increase in global quality of life (QOL). Such QOL is intrinsically subjective, but not relative. It can be reliably measured through “life satisfaction”-type questions. The “World Database of Happiness” provides extensive data on social, economic and psychological factors that correlate with overall QOL. They include wealth, health, security, knowledge, freedom and equality. Various statistical data suggest that all these QOL indicators have undergone significant improvements during the last half century, in most of the world. This gives strong support to the thesis that progress objectively occurs.
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  • 54
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    Journal of happiness studies 1 (2000), S. 351-374 
    ISSN: 1573-7780
    Keywords: progress ; quality of life ; optimism ; pessimism ; social indicators ; world view ; evolution ; development ; global change ; information overload.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Psychology
    Notes: Abstract This paper attempts to update the 18th century concept of progress by an evolutionary theoretical framework, while replying to some of the contemporary critiques. Progress, understood as increase in fitness (or its proxy, quality of life) necessarily accompanies evolution by natural selection. In socio-cultural evolution, this mechanism is reinforced by growth of knowledge and virtuous cycles, but can be accompanied by negative side-effects such as overshooting and parasitism. The most pressing of the contemporary side-effects, such as pollution and the increased pace of life, are discussed, but it is concluded that they can be tackled without really endangering global progress. The anxiety that they engender is unfortunately amplified by a “bad news” bias in the media, leading to an inappropriately pessimistic view of the situation by the public.
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  • 55
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    Neural processing letters 11 (2000), S. 29-38 
    ISSN: 1573-773X
    Keywords: evolution ; online ; game ; neural ; network ; genetic ; real-time
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Computer Science
    Notes: Abstract In standard neuro-evolution, a population of networks is evolved in a task, and the network that best solves the task is found. This network is then fixed and used to solve future instances of the problem. Networks evolved in this way do not handle real-time interaction very well. It is hard to evolve a solution ahead of time that can cope effectively with all the possible environments that might arise in the future and with all the possible ways someone may interact with it. This paper proposes evolving feedforward neural networks online to create agents that improve their performance through real-time interaction. This approach is demonstrated in a game world where neural-network-controlled individuals play against humans. Through evolution, these individuals learn to react to varying opponents while appropriately taking into account conflicting goals. After initial evaluation offline, the population is allowed to evolve online, and its performance improves considerably. The population not only adapts to novel situations brought about by changing strategies in the opponent and the game layout, but it also improves its performance in situations that it has already seen in offline training. This paper will describe an implementation of online evolution and shows that it is a practical method that exceeds the performance of offline evolution alone.
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  • 56
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    Journal of mammalian evolution 7 (2000), S. 1-22 
    ISSN: 1573-7055
    Keywords: Dasyurus ; marsupials ; control region ; mtDNA ; evolution
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract There has been a great deal of interest in determining phylogenetic relationships within the family Dasyuridae due to the widespread distribution, ecological diversity, and relative plesiomorphy of this taxon within the Australasian marsupial radiation. In the past, it has been extremely problematic to determine the phylogenetic relationships among species within Dasyurus, with numerous studies using both morphological and molecular characters providing different topologies. Here, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region is used as a novel set of characters in an attempt to identify relationships among the six closely related extant species. Sequences were obtained from multiple individuals representing all extant species of quolls including, when possible, individuals from different geographical regions. Sequences were analyzed using both parsimony criteria and neighbor-joining methods. Results presented here concur with those of Krajewski et al. (1997) in (1) placing D. geoffroii in a highly supported clade with D. spartacus, (2) resolving a monophyletic group of D. albopunctatus + D. geoffroii + D. spartacus, and (3) placing D. hallucatus as the sister taxon to all other species of quolls. Results also show two highly supported and geographically distinct clades of D. maculatus (Tasmanian and mainland) that do not correspond to the currently used subspecific nomenclature. Preliminary results also indicate that there are different clades among geographic groups of D. hallucatus that warrant further investigation. The mtDNA control region is a highly variable locus and may be used in forensic tests for species identification in this genus.
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  • 57
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    Biogerontology 1 (2000), S. 289-307 
    ISSN: 1573-6768
    Keywords: comparative nematode ageing ; evolution ; Caenorhabditis elegans ; Onchocerca volvulus ; Strongyloides ratti
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In the developing field of biological gerontology, rapid advances have recently been made in the genetics of ageing in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The aim of this work is to develop an understanding of the general mechanisms determining the ageing process. Within the last decade the prospect of actually achieving this somewhat hubristic aim has begun to look startlingly real. In this context, knowledge of every aspect of the biology of ageing in nematodes is of added interest. Here the patterns of ageing observed among parasitic and free-living nematodes are surveyed and compared. Like insects, nematode species exhibit enormous differences in the rate of ageing, with maximum life spans varying over more than a 1000-fold range, from three days in free-living Rhabdias bufonis adults, to at least 15 years in the filarial parasite Loa loa. The possible evolutionary and mechanistic causes of such differences in ageing are discussed.
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  • 58
    ISSN: 1573-6857
    Keywords: evolution ; Oryza ; retrotransposon ; rice ; wild species
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The Oryza officinalis complex is a genetically diverse, tertiary genepool of rice. We analyzed part of the primary structure of the integrase coding domain (ICD) of a gypsy-like retrotransposon from species of the O. officinalis species complex. PCR was performed with degenerate primers that hybridized to conserved sequences in the integrase genes of gypsy-type retrotransposons, using total DNA from different species of the O. officinalis complex as templates. Cloning and sequencing of the PCR products showed that the amplified fragments are highly homologous to each other (75–90%) and belong to one family of retrotransposons that is related to the previously studied RIRE-2 element from rice. Two main subfamilies of 292 and 351 bp were distinguished. Analysis of primary sequence data supports previous reports that sequence divergence during vertical transmission has been the major influence on the evolution of gypsy-type retrotransposons in Oryza species. Based on sequence data phylogenetic relationships among species of the O. officinalis complex were estimated. The data suggests that O. eichingeri is more closely related to the ancestral species of the complex.
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  • 59
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    International journal of primatology 21 (2000), S. 421-444 
    ISSN: 1573-8604
    Keywords: phylogenetics ; biogeography ; speciation ; Ateles ; evolution
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract We used the results of phylogenetic analyses of relationships among spider monkeys (Ateles) based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA to investigate questions of their evolutionary origins and speciation mechanisms. We employed the concept of a local molecular clock to date nodes of interest (corresponding to hypothesized species and subspecies) in the various phylograms for comparison to hypothesized biogeographical events that might have affected speciation. We considered various mechanisms—Pleistocene refuge formation, riverine barriers, geological fluctuations, and ecological changes associated with these mechanisms—for their contribution to speciation in Ateles. Most speciation among the various species of Ateles occurred during the middle to late Pliocene, suggesting that Pleistocene refuge formation was not a key speciation mechanism. However, it is likely that the genetic structure of populations of Ateles was modified to some extent by refuge formation. Additionally, riverine barriers do not seem to interrupt gene flow significantly among Ateles. No river formed a barrier among species of Ateles, with the exception of the lower Amazon and possibly some of the black-water rivers draining the Guianan highlands. Large-scale geographic changes associated with the continued rise of the eastern and western cordilleras of the northern Andes and associated changes in habitat were the most important causes of speciation in Ateles. The various factors that modify genetic structure in Ateles are important to consider in order to protect endangered primate genera in the Neotropics.
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  • 60
    ISSN: 1573-8604
    Keywords: vocalization ; sexual advertisement ; predator advertisement ; taxonomy ; evolution ; mouse lemur ; primate ; Madagascar
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Advertisement calls are often important noninvasive tools for discriminating cryptic species and for assessing specific diversity and speciation patterns in nature. We investigated the contribution of these calls to uncover specific diversity in nocturnal Malagasy lemurs. We compared sexual advertisement and predator advertisement calls of two mouse lemur species, western gray and eastern rufous mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus and M. rufus, respectively) living in two contrasting habitats (dry deciduous vs. rain forest), and analyzed them statistically. Both species emitted several highly variable whistle calls in the context of predator-avoidance. Intrapopulation variation was high and overlapped interspecific variation. Sexual advertisement calls, given in the mating context, displayed a totally distinct, species-specific acoustic structure. Whereas gray mouse lemurs produced rapidly multifrequency modulated, long trill calls, rufous mouse lemurs gave slowly frequency-modulated short chirp calls. Our results suggest specific status for gray and rufous mouse lemurs and indicate the importance of predation and social needs in shaping vocal communication.
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  • 61
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    Evolutionary ecology 14 (2000), S. 665-692 
    ISSN: 1573-8477
    Keywords: disease ; evolution ; frequency-dependent selection ; genetic diversity ; life history ; lifespan ; polymorphism ; reproduction rate ; resistance ; specificity ; virulence
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Pathogens and parasites can be strong agents of selection, and often exhibit some degree of genetic specificity for individual host strains. Here we show that this host–pathogen specificity can affect the evolution of host life history traits. All else equal, evolution should select for genes that increase individuals' reproduction rates or lifespans (and thus total reproduction per individual). Using a simple host–pathogen model, we show that when the genetic specificity of pathogen infection is low, host strains with higher reproduction rates or longer lifespans drive slower-reproducing or shorter-lived host strains to extinction, as one would expect. However, when pathogens exhibit specificity for host strains with different life history traits, the evolutionary advantages of these traits can be greatly diminished by pathogen-mediated selection. Given sufficient host–pathogen specificity, pathogen-mediated selection can maintain polymorphism in host traits that are correlated with pathogen resistance traits, despite large intrinsic fitness differences among host strains. These results have two important implications. First, selection on host life history traits will be weaker than expected, whenever host fitness is significantly affected by genotype-specific pathogen attack. Second, where polymorphism in host traits is maintained by pathogen-mediated selection, preserving the genetic diversity of host species may require preserving their pathogens as well.
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  • 62
    ISSN: 1615-6110
    Keywords: Cladistics ; evolution ; Illiciales ; Illicium ; ITS ; star anise
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA were determined for 15 species ofIllicium (Illiciaceae) to examine phylogenetic relationships. The ITS trees show a major dichotomy between the two North American species (I. floridanum andI. parviflorum) and the remaining east Asian species. This suggests that the existing division between two sections (sect.Illicium and sect.Cymbostemon) ofIllicium based on tepal characters in unnatural. The ITS phylogeny shows congruence with palynology: of the species examined, the three species (I. angustisepalum, I. anisatum andI. fargesii) from sect.Illicium that possess trizonocolpate pollen consistently form a clade, although nesting within a clade consisting of the species of sect.Cymbostemon, which generally have trisyncolpate pollen. The low ITS sequence divergence and the close relationship among east Asian species suggest a recent diversification of this group of species or an unusual slowdown of sequence mutations.
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  • 63
    ISSN: 1615-6110
    Keywords: In situ hybridization ; evolution ; NOR ; rDNA ; Muscari
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract In the subgenusLeopoldia of the genusMuscari, M. comosum is an exceptional species because it presents the most asymmetrical karyotype of the group and because its only active NOR is located in the fifth chromosome pair, while in the other species it is located in the first or second chromosome pairs (all the species have 2n = 18 chromosomes). SinceM. comosum has a derived karyotype different from those of the other species of the group, the resulting question is whether, in the first and second chromosome pair of this species, ribosomal cistrons persist. Observations after fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using rDNA probes indicate that there are indeed ribosomal loci in the first and second chromosome pairs of this species, although these loci are inactive with respect to nucleolus organization. The location of rDNA regions in another three species of the same genus (M. atlanticum, M. dionysicum andM. matritensis) provides a basis for examining the significance of these findings in relation to the evolution of the ribosomal loci in this genus. Our observations indicate that in the genusMuscari, the largest sites for rRNA genes are not necessarily active, and, therefore, the activation of these regions is not related to the number of copies but to a specific regulation mechanism.
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  • 64
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    Journal of economics 71 (2000), S. 1-30 
    ISSN: 1617-7134
    Keywords: evolution ; local interaction ; cooperation ; prisoner's dilemma ; Markov processes ; C78
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Economics
    Notes: Abstract We study local interaction within a population located on a connected graph. Subjects engage in several bilateral interactions during each round in a generalized Prisoners' Dilemma (PD). In each round of play one randomly selected player gets the possibility to update the action he plays in this PD. All individuals use the update rule “Win Cooperate, Lose Defect,” a multi-player variant of Tit-for-Tat. Theoretical results on the set of stable states of the associated dynamics are provided for the cases with and without rare mutations. Simulations provide insight into the probability distribution over these stable states. In both cases a rather high probability is assigned to stable states with a moderate level of cooperation implying that dominated strategies are used. Furthermore, the probability of reaching the stable state with Nash equilibrium play is small.
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  • 65
    ISSN: 1434-3932
    Keywords: Schlüsselwörter  Bauchaortenaneurysma ; Lebensqualität ; Endovaskuläre Therapie ; Keywords  Aortic aneurysm ; Quality of life ; Endovascular ; Conventional therapy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Description / Table of Contents: Abstract   Patient satisfaction plays an increasing part in the analysis of the outcome of medical treatment. The aim of the study was to compare health-related quality of life in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm after endovascular or conventional surgery. A total of 40 patients were included (20 treated by endovascular and 20 by conventional surgery). A questionnaire with 28 items similar to the SF-36 was answered during scheduled appointments. On the third postoperative day, the conventionally treated patients were more frequently confined to bed (80% vs. 32%) and complained of intervention-related pain (90% vs. 42%) and incisional pain (26% vs. 15%); 55% of the patients suffered from obstipation (vs. 5% of the endovascular group). Furthermore, the preoperative psychological stress seemed to be intensified. In comparable percentage, both the endovascular and conventionally treated patients were limited in social activities perioperatively. Sexual dysfunction was more frequent in the conventional group (33% vs. 13% three months postoperative). In addition, the conventionally treated patients were more limited in their physical activities (25% vs. 40%) and had more fear of ambulation (35% vs. 6%). The patients treated by an endovascular approach complained about frequent examinations (39% vs. 5%) that were often related to X-ray exposure (67% vs. 20%). All of the conventionally operated patients had a sense of improvement (vs. 89% of the endovascular group); nevertheless only 28% felt completely healthy, compared to 11% of the endovascular treated patients. Advantages of the endovascular treated patients were ”short hospital stay”, ”decreased pain”, ”smaller scars”, and a ”shorter confinement to bed”. After intervention the conventionally treated patients were more limited in almost all quality-of-life aspects. After 3 months, differences between the groups decreased except for sexual dysfunction and limited physical activities. The patients treated by endovascular surgery complained more about frequent X-ray examinations than the conventionally treated group.
    Notes: Zusammenfassung  Zur Bewertung eines Therapieerfolgs gewinnt der subjektive Aspekt der Patientenzufriedenheit zunehmend an Bedeutung. Ziel unserer Untersuchung war es, die medizinischen Aspekte der Lebensqualität vor, während und nach Behandlung eines infrarenalen Bauchaortenaneurysmas durch konventionelle oder endovaskuläre Operation zu vergleichen. Insgesamt 40 Patienten, 20 Patienten nach konventioneller und 20 Patienten nach endovaskulärer Bauchaortenaneurysmaausschaltung, die in unserer Klinik in dem Zeitraum 01.06.1997 bis 31.12.1998 operiert worden waren, erhielten einen in Anlehnung an den SF-36-Survey-Fragebogen entwickelten Fragenkatalog mit 28 Fragen über die perioperative Lebensqualität. Am 3. postoperativen Tag waren deutlich mehr konventionell operierte Patienten bettlägerig (80 vs. 32%), gaben stärkere Schmerzen (90 vs. 42%) sowie Narbenbeschwerden (26 vs. 15%) an und litten unter Verdauungsproblemen (55 vs. 5%). Sie waren außerdem vor der Operation durch den Eingriff psychisch belasteter als die Vergleichsgruppe. Die Patienten beider Gruppen fühlten sich perioperativ in einem vergleichbaren Prozentsatz in der Ausübung gesellschaftlicher Aktivitäten beeinträchtigt. In der konventionell operierten Patientengruppe waren postoperative Sexualfunktionsstörungen signifikant häufiger als bei den endovaskulären Patienten (33 vs. 13% 3 Monate postoperativ). Im postoperativen Intervall von 3 Monaten waren die konventionellen Patienten physisch weniger belastbar (25 vs. 40%) und hatten stärkere Angst, sich frei zu bewegen (35 vs. 6%); 39% der endovaskulären Patienten empfanden die postoperativen Kontrolluntersuchungen als belastend, 67% empfanden die Strahlenbelastung bei den Kontrollen als negativ (konventionell 5 bzw. 20%). Alle konventionell operierten Patienten hatten das Gefühl, dass das Bauchaortenaneurysma ausgeschaltet sei (endovaskulär 89%). Vollkommen gesund fühlten sich 3 Monate postoperativ lediglich 28% der konventionell operierten Patienten bzw. 11% der endovaskulären Patienten. Als größte Vorteile der endovaskulären Methode wurden ”kurzer Krankenhausaufenthalt”, ”wenig Schmerzen”, ”kleine Narbe” und ”kurze Bettlägerigkeit” genannt. Die konventionell therapierten Patienten sind in ihrer Lebensqualität perioperativ deutlich mehr beeinträchtigt als die endovaskulär behandelten. Nach 3 Monaten finden sich jedoch bis auf den Bereich der Sexualfunktionsstörungen, der physischen Belastbarkeit und der Bewegungsfreiheit keine signifikanten Unterschiede in beiden Kollektiven. Durch die regelmäßigen Nachuntersuchungen mit Strahlenexposition fühlen sich die endovaskulär behandelten Patienten stark belastet.
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  • 66
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: evolution ; C4 plant ; maize ; ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The small subunit of ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco), encoded by rbcS, is essential for photosynthesis in both C3 and C4 plants, even though the cell specificity of rbcS expression is different between C3 and C4 plants. The C3 rbcS is specifically expressed in mesophyll cells, while the C4 rbcS is expressed in bundle sheath cells, and not mesophyll cells. Two chimeric genes were constructed consisting of the structural gene encoding β-glucuronidase (GUS) controlled by the two promoters from maize (C4) and rice (C3) rbcS genes. These constructs were introduced into a C4 plant, maize. Both chimeric genes were specifically expressed in photosynthetic organs, such as leaf blade, but not in non-photosynthetic organs. The expressions of the genes were also regulated by light. However, the rice promoter drove the GUS activity mainly in mesophyll cells and relatively low in bundle sheath cells, while the maize rbcS promoter induced the activity specifically in bundle sheath cells. These results suggest that the rice promoter contains some cis-acting elements responding in an organ-pecific and light-inducible regulation manner in maize but does not contain element(s) for bundle sheath cell-specific expression, while the maize promoter does contain such element(s). Based on this result, we discuss the similarities and differences between the rice (C3) and maize (C4) rbcS promoter in terms of the evolution of the C4 photosynthetic gene.
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  • 67
    ISSN: 1573-5036
    Keywords: evolution ; glutamine synthetase ; sequences ; subunit composition ; Trientalis europaea
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Ion-exchange chromatography of extracts from Trientalis europaea L. leaf tissue have been shown to contain two distinct isoforms of glutamine synthetase (GS). However, analysis by Western blotting has shown that the first peak to elute contains a mixture of large and small GS subunits, whilst the second peak is comprised entirely of a smaller subunit. This is contrary to the widespread assumptions concerning plant GS biochemistry. Isolation of intact chloroplasts and subsequent extraction of GS, followed by ion-exchange chromatography, has shown that the first peak to elute contains a large subunit, and the second chloroplastic peak is composed entirely of the small subunit. This smaller subunit may be present due to it being encoded by a separate chloroplastic GS gene, or it may be present as a product of post-translational modification. DNA sequencing has been used to try and determine which of these may be occurring. The three partial DNA sequences (505 nucleotides) we have obtained from T. europaea have been compared with 64 other sequences available on the NCBI database, which have mainly been obtained from crop species. Neighbour joining and parsimony analysis (1000 bootstrap) has shown support (∼30%) for the separation of plant GS from all other phyla. Within the plant phylum, there is total support for the separation of chloroplastic and cytosolic GS (100%), whilst the cytosolic sequences divide further into monocot and dicot species (77% support by NJ). Further subgroups of plants from the same families is also suggested. This is consistent with previous work containing fewer, but longer (∼1000 nucleotides) GS sequences. The addition of GS sequences obtained from wild plant species, such as T. europaea, to the large amount of information already available on the database, will permit a better understanding of the evolution of this important enzyme.
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  • 68
    ISSN: 1573-5079
    Keywords: anatomy ; C3 and C4 photosynthesis ; Chenopodiaceae ; cotyledon ; deserts ; evolution ; leaf ; Salsola
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Most species of the genus Salsola (Chenopodiaceae) that have been examined exhibit C4 photosynthesis in leaves. Four Salsola species from Central Asia were investigated in this study to determine the structural and functional relationships in photosynthesis of cotyledons compared to leaves, using anatomical (Kranz versus non-Kranz anatomy, chloroplast ultrastructure) and biochemical (activities of photosynthetic enzymes of the C3 and C4 pathways, 14C labeling of primary photosynthesis products and 13C/12C carbon isotope fractionation) criteria. The species included S. paulsenii from section Salsola, S. richteri from section Coccosalsola, S. laricina from section Caroxylon, and S. gemmascens from section Malpigipila. The results show that all four species have a C4 type of photosynthesis in leaves with a Salsoloid type Kranz anatomy, whereas both C3 and C4 types of photosynthesis were found in cotyledons. S. paulsenii and S. richteri have NADP- (NADP-ME) C4 type biochemistry with Salsoloid Kranz anatomy in both leaves and cotyledons. In S. laricina, both cotyledons and leaves have NAD-malic enzyme (NAD-ME) C4 type photosynthesis; however, while the leaves have Salsoloid type Kranz anatomy, cotyledons have Atriplicoid type Kranz anatomy. In S. gemmascens, cotyledons exhibit C3 type photosynthesis, while leaves perform NAD-ME type photosynthesis. Since the four species studied belong to different Salsola sections, this suggests that differences in photosynthetic types of leaves and cotyledons may be used as a basis or studies of the origin and evolution of C4 photosynthesis in the family Chenopodiaceae.
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  • 69
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    Genetic resources and crop evolution 47 (2000), S. 385-393 
    ISSN: 1573-5109
    Keywords: Citrullus lanatus ; cluster analysis ; evolution ; morphology ; watermelon
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
    Notes: Abstract Morphological data recorded from field trials using Citrullus lanatus germplasm collected in Namibia were used to analyse and compare the various morphotypes of this species. The experiment comprised wild types and local landraces as well as commercial cultivars. Cluster analysis supported the indigenous classification system used in Namibia, in which Citrullus types are distinguished based on gross morphology, ecology and usage and grouped into seed, cooking and fresh-eating (watermelon) types. Commercial watermelon cultivars formed a distinct cluster. Wide variation was found within the local types whereas the genetic basis of the commercial type appears to be narrow. The commercial cultivars were most closely related to local watermelon types and more distantly related to the wild types, whereas the cooking melons form an intermediate group.
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  • 70
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: reflecting organ ; upper lip ; Myodocopa ; chemical cues ; evolution
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Multifunctions of the upper lip in a bioluminescent myodocopid Vargula hilgendorfii were studied by video observation and histological method. The localization of luciferin and luciferase gland cells within the upper lip was partly successful. Two long protrusions of the upper lip, both of V. hilgendorfii and a non-luminescent species of the same family, immediately anterior to the mouth, were found to show very flexible movement especially while eating, as if smearing on the food surface a secretion from the protrusions (glands), which may support the hypothesized secretion of digestive enzymes from the upper lip. This hypothesis is further supported by the new finding of a pair of ducts which connect the basal part of the upper lip with the posterior digestive duct (stomach). Comparative studies of V. hilgendorfii with several sympatric non-luminescent species of the same family have also revealed that it has a characteristic reflecting organ immediately posterior to the anus. It is a conical small protrusion, as if dangling from the ventral edge of the abdomen at the apex of the cone. It is observable only in live specimens, when the furca, which is located outwardly to the organ, is sufficiently transparent. When illuminated, the reflecting organ reflects the distinct light. The diameter of the mirror (chemical composition provisionally analyzed) is about 6–8% of the carapace length. The organ develops from the very first stage of its ontogeny without reference to sex, which suggests that the function may be related to intraspecific signaling or predatory deterrence.
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  • 71
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    Hydrobiologia 419 (2000), S. 31-63 
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: morphology ; ontogeny ; Ostracoda ; evolution ; fifth limb ; crustacean phylogeny
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The chaetotaxy (shape, structure and distribution of setae) of appendages and valve allometry during the post embryonic ontogeny of the cyprididine ostracod Eucypris virens are described. It is shown that the basic ontogenetic development of E. virens is very similar to that of other species of the family Cyprididae. During ontogeny, the chaetotaxy shows continual development on all podomeres of the limbs with the exception of the last podomere on the antennulae. The long setae on the exopodite and protopodite of the antennae have a natatory function until the actual natatory setae develop in later instars. Aesthetascs (presumed chemoreceptors) ya and y3 are the first to develop and may have an important function in the first instars. Cyprididae require a pediform limb in the posterior of the body presumably to help them to attach to substrates and this is reflected by the pediform nature of one limb at all times throughout all instars. This study has also shown that the fifth limb is most probably of thoracic origin and hence ostracods have only one pair of maxillae.
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  • 72
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    Hydrobiologia 419 (2000), S. 7-11 
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: morphology ; palaeontology ; ecology ; genetics ; Ostracoda ; evolution
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Morphology, palaeontology, genetics and ecology are the main scientific domains contributing theories, concepts and new data to evolutionary biology. Ostracods are potentially very good model organisms for evolutionary studies because they combine an excellent fossil record with a wide extant distribution and, therefore, allow studies on both patterns and processes leading to extant diversity. This preface provides an overview of the 15 contributions to the present volume and concludes that this set of papers supports the claim that ostracod studies are situated in all main evolutionary domains.
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  • 73
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    Hydrobiologia 417 (2000), S. 91-99 
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: evolution ; phylogeny ; larval characters ; morphology
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The plesiomorphic mode of crustacean development is widely accepted to be via a larva called the nauplius. Extant taxa like the Cephalocarida, Branchiopoda, Ostracoda, Mystacocarida, Copepoda, Cirripedia, Ascothoracida, Facetotecta, Euphausiacea and Penaeidea hatch from an egg as a free-living nauplius. Other crustaceans show an embryonic phase of development suggestive of a naupliar organization. Several features of the nauplius larva have been proposed as diagnostic characters for the Crustacea: a median (nauplius) eye; at least three pairs of head appendages (antennules, antennae, mandibles); a posteriorly directed fold (the labrum) extending over the mouth and a cephalic (nauplius) shield. The relationship between trilobite protaspis with at least four appendages and the crustacean nauplius remains unclear, but reports of a copepod orthonauplius with four appendages are rejected. Swimming is suggested to represent the underived mode of locomotion for the crustacean nauplius, and that naupliar swimming directly results in naupliar feeding which also is underived.
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  • 74
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: population genetics ; evolution ; allozymes ; DNA ; marine genetics ; Acanthaster planci
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The basic assumptions that widespread marine species should show little spatial variation in genetic structure, given their high potential for dispersal on ocean currents, is being questioned. This has taken some time because there are few studies of widespread marine species over oceanic scales, few data sets that have the high density of sampling required for the detection of fine population structure, and there is little incentive to look further if initial analyses suggest the expected result. The interpretation of the population genetic structure of crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) has been found to vary considerably depending on the sample set included in the analyses and on the method of analysis used. Scatter plots of genetic distance or θ, and spatial autocorrelation approaches gave markedly different results ranging from no structure to isolation by distance. Only visual examination of maps of patterns of variation in allele variation first detected that crown-of-thorns starfish occupy large regions with little between population differentiation, but between which there are markedly higher levels of differentiation. These findings highlight the care required in interpreting population structure, particularly where there are few sample points. Many marine species may have population structures where sharp genetic disjunctions, not associated with any obvious environmental boundaries, separate regions of relative genetic homogeneity. Such population structures are very different from those traditionally assumed and are not yet understood. Further advances in understanding the genetic structure of marine species will demand an iterative approach where a greater number of samples are collected over particular regions identified by earlier interpretations.
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  • 75
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    Hydrobiologia 420 (2000), S. 15-27 
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: phylogeny ; evolution ; allozymes ; rDNA ; DNA sequence
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The first application of molecular systematics to sponges was in the 1980s, using allozyme divergence to dis-criminate between conspecific and congeneric sponge populations. Since this time, a fairly large database has been accumulated and, although the first findings seemed to indicate that sponge species were genetically more divergent than those of other marine invertebrates, a recent review of the available dataset indicates that levels of interspecific gene identities in most sponges fall within the normal range found between species of other invertebrates. Nevertheless, some sponge genera have species that are extremely divergent from each other, suggesting a possible polyphyly of these genera. In the 1990s, molecular studies comparing sequences of ribosomal RNA have been used to reappraise the phylogenetic relationships among sponge genera, families, orders and classes. Both the 18S small subunit and the 28S large subunit rRNA genes have been sequenced (41 complete or partial and 75 partial sequences, respectively). Sequences of 18S rRNA show good support for Porifera being true Metazoa, but they are not informative for resolving relationships among genera, families or orders. 28S rRNA domains D1 and D2 appear to be more informative for the terminal nodes and provide resolution for internal topologies in sufficiently closely related species, but the deep nodes between orders or classes cannot be resolved using this molecule. Recently, a more conserved gene, Hsp70, has been used to try to resolve the relationships in the deep nodes. Metazoan monophyly is very well supported. Nevertheless, the divergence between the three classes of Porifera, as well as the divergence between Porifera, Cnidaria and Ctenophora, is not resolved. Research is in progress using other genes such as those of the homeodomain, the tyrosine kinase domain, and those coding for the aggregation factor. For the moment the dataset for these genes is too restricted to resolve the phylogenetic relationships of these phyla. However, whichever the genes, the phylogenies obtained suggest that Porifera could be paraphyletic and that the phylogenetic relationships of most of the families and orders of the Demospongiae have to be reassessed. The Calcarea and Hexactinellida are still to be studied at the molecular level.
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  • 76
    ISSN: 1573-5133
    Keywords: Cyprinidae ; piscivores ; prey fish ; small barbs ; species flock ; evolution ; speciation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The endemic cyprinid species flock in Lake Tana consists of 15 species of large hexaploid barbs, eight of which are piscivorous. Previously, it was assumed that all piscivores preyed on the same small barb species, Barbus trispilopleura. In this paper we present a description of morphology and ecology of a new abundant small barb species, Barbus tanapelagius sp. nova (holotype RMNH 33731) from Lake Tana, Ethiopia, which appears to be the major prey species for the large pelagic piscivorous barbs. B. tanapelagius differs clearly in morphology from the other 3 small, diploid Barbus species known from Lake Tana, B. trispilopleura Boulenger, 1902, B. humilis Boulenger, 1902 and B. pleurogramma Boulenger, 1902. Conspicuous differences are its elongated body, large eye diameter, prominent and hooked lower jaw contour and colouration. Preliminary data suggest that B. tanapelagius also differs ecologically from the other small Barbus spp. by its pelagic, strictly zooplanktivorous feeding and its occurrence mainly in the deeper, offshore waters. The other small Barbus species are most probably largely benthic feeders and dominant in the shallow inshore waters. Previous views about the evolution of the present 8 endemic piscivorous large barb species therefore require reconsideration, as the present paper shows a more complex scenario including several prey species.
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  • 77
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    Hydrobiologia 420 (2000), S. 55-62 
    ISSN: 1573-5117
    Keywords: chromosomes ; evolution ; nucleolar organizer region
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The number of cytogenetic studies of marine fish has increased in recent years. Fish groups, such as Perciformes, which comprises many of the extant marine teleosts of economic importance, show little divergence in chromosome number and most species display a diploid number of 48 acrocentric chromosomes. In the Serranidae, Sparidae, Sciaenidae (Perciformes) and Mugilidae (Mugiliformes) small chromosome variations are restricted to subtle heterochromatin or nucleolar organizer region (NOR) modifications. There appears to exist a strict relationship between both absence of geographic barriers throughout the marine environment and high mobility of these animals (eggs, larvae, or adults), with a rarity of chromosome rearrangement at the macrostructural level. Moreover, a cellular homeostasis might also be important to karyotype maintenance among these fishes, limiting changes in the chromosome complement to cryptic chromosome rearrangements. Other groups, such as Blenniidae, Gobiidae and Scorpaenidae, for instance, show more extensive chromosome diversity, which is probably related to limited mobility. Numerical and structural chromosome polymorphisms and several sexual chromosome systems are recurrent among these fishes. A wide karyotypic diversification also characterizes the Tetraodontiformes, an interesting fish group with peculiar morphological, physiological and ecological characteristics.
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  • 78
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    Environmental biology of fishes 57 (2000), S. 443-449 
    ISSN: 1573-5133
    Keywords: parental care ; feeding behaviour ; evolution ; trade-off ; individual differences ; fish
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract The function of the fin digging behaviour in increasing food availability for the offspring was analysed in the convict cichlid, Cichlasoma (Archocentrus) nigrofasciatum. Consistent individual differences in the frequency of fin digging were found in the parental fish. Examination of the gastrointestinal tract of young revealed that higher frequency of parental fin digging was associated with higher consumption of large and more profitable prey (Diptera larvae), which inhabited deep horizons of the bottom substrate and possibly were difficult to access without parental assistance. Thus, parental fin digging was initially associated with a significant increase of the offspring growth rate. However, at later brood intervals, when parental care ceased, the young of the high-digging parents were characterised by a poorer consumption of small larvae that were most accessible for them without parental aid and represented an increasingly more important component of their ration than large larvae. Offspring of the low-digging parents, on the other hand, presumably as a result of their individual experience, showed a considerably better consumption of small larvae, increasing their growth rate. As a consequence, prior parental fin digging did not affect the offspring body size after independence. Thus, there exist pronounced individual differences and alternative parental styles in the convict cichlid.
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  • 79
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    Plant molecular biology 42 (2000), S. 151-166 
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: evolution ; homeodomain protein ; knox gene ; meristem
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Knotted-like homeobox (knox) genes constitute a gene family in plants. Class I knox genes are expressed in shoot apical meristems, and (with notable exceptions) not in lateral organ primordia. Class II genes have more diverse expression patterns. Loss and gain of function mutations indicate that knox genes are important regulators of meristem function. Gene duplication has contributed to the evolution of families of homeodomain proteins in metazoans. We believe that similar mechanisms have contributed to the diversity of knox gene function in plants. Knox genes may have contributed to the evolution of compound leaves in tomato and could be involved in the evolution of morphological traits in other species. Alterations in cis-regulatory regions in some knox genes correlate with novel patterns of gene expression and distinctive morphologies. Preliminary data from the analysis of class I knox gene expression illustrates the evolution of complex patterns of knox expression is likely to have occurred through loss and gain of domains of gene expression.
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  • 80
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: angiosperm ; development ; evolution ; fern ; gymnosperm ; MADS-box gene
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Evolutionary developmental genetics (evodevotics) is a novel scientific endeavor which assumes that changes in developmental control genes are a major aspect of evolutionary changes in morphology. Understanding the phylogeny of developmental control genes may thus help us to understand the evolution of plant and animal form. The principles of evodevotics are exemplified by outlining the role of MADS-box genes in the evolution of plant reproductive structures. In extant eudicotyledonous flowering plants, MADS-box genes act as homeotic selector genes determining floral organ identity and as floral meristem identity genes. By reviewing current knowledge about MADS-box genes in ferns, gymnosperms and different types of angiosperms, we demonstrate that the phylogeny of MADS-box genes was strongly correlated with the origin and evolution of plant reproductive structures such as ovules and flowers. It seems likely, therefore, that changes in MADS-box gene structure, expression and function have been a major cause for innovations in reproductive development during land plant evolution, such as seed, flower and fruit formation.
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  • 81
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    Plant molecular biology 42 (2000), S. 181-194 
    ISSN: 1573-5028
    Keywords: actinorhiza ; endomycorrhizae ; evolution ; Frankia ; haemoglobins ; nod factors ; nodulation ; phylogeny ; rhizobia
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract In this review we will first describe the different steps leading to nodule formation, and these will be compared with processes of non-symbiotic plant development and growth. In general, aspects of both actinorhizal as well as rhizobial symbiosis are described, but in several cases, the emphasis will be on the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis because more knowledge of this system is available. Subsequently, the phylogeny of nodulating plants is described and a comparison is made between several aspects of legume and actinorhizal nodulation. At the end of this paper the relationship between nodule symbiosis and endomycorrhizal symbiosis is described, and it is discussed to what extent the development of root nodules involves unique properties, or whether processes and genes have been recruited from common plant development and the endomycorrhizal symbiosis.
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  • 82
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    Journal of bioenergetics and biomembranes 32 (2000), S. 227-236 
    ISSN: 1573-6881
    Keywords: NDP kinase ; subunit interaction ; quaternary structure ; evolution ; mixed oligomers ; Dictyostelium
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology , Physics
    Notes: Abstract Nucleoside (NDP) diphosphate kinases are oligomeric enzymes. Most are hexameric, but somebacterial enzymes are tetrameric. Hexamers and tetramers are constructed by assemblingidentical dimers. The hexameric structure is important for protein stability, as demonstratedby studies with natural mutants (the Killer-of-prune mutant ofDrosophila NDP kinase andthe S120G mutant of the human NDP kinase A in neuroblastomas) and with mutants obtainedby site-directed mutagenesis. It is also essential for enzymic activity. The function of the tetrameric structure is unclear.
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  • 83
    ISSN: 1573-6849
    Keywords: evolution ; genome ; Gossypium ; polyploidization ; repetitive element ; retrotransposon
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Retrotransposons constitute a ubiquitous and dynamic component of plant genomes. Intragenomic and intergenomic comparisons of related genomes offer potential insights into retrotransposon behavior and genomic effects. Here, we have used fluorescent in-situ hybridization to determine the chromosomal distributions of a Ty1-copia-like retrotransposon in the cotton AD-genome tetraploid Gossypium hirsutum and closely related putative A- and D-genome diploid ancestors. Retrotransposon clone A108 hybridized to all G. hirsutum chromosomes, approximately equal in intensity in the A- and D-subgenomes. Similar results were obtained by hybridization of A108 to the A-genome diploid G. arboreum, whereas no signal was detected on chromosomes of the D-genome diploid G. raimondii. The significance and potential causes of these observations are discussed.
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  • 84
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    Genetica 109 (2000), S. 105-111 
    ISSN: 1573-6857
    Keywords: Drosophila ; evolution ; heterochromatin ; Y chromosome
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Y chromosome evolution is characterized by the expansion of genetic inertness along the Y chromosome and changes in the chromosome structure, especially the tendency of becoming heterochromatic. It is generally assumed that the sex chromosome pair has developed from a pair of homologues. In an evolutionary process the proto-Y-chromosome, with a very short differential segment, develops in its final stage into a completely heterochromatic and to a great extends genetically eroded Y chromosome. The constraints evolving the Y chromosome have been the objects of speculation since the discovery of sex chromosomes. Several models have been suggested. We use the exceptional situation of the in Drosophila mirandato analyze the molecular process in progress involved in Y chromosome evolution. We suggest that the first steps in the switch from a euchromatic proto-Y-chromosome into a completely heterochromatic Y chromosome are driven by the accumulation of transposable elements, especially retrotransposons inserted along the evolving nonrecombining part of the Y chromosome. In this evolutionary process trapping and accumulation of retrotransposons on the proto-Y-chromosome should lead to conformational changes that are responsible for successive silencing of euchromatic genes, both intact or already mutated ones and eventually transform functionally euchromatic domains into genetically inert heterochromatin. Accumulation of further mutations, deletions, and duplications followed by the evolution and expansion of tandem repetitive sequence motifs of high copy number (satellite sequences) together with a few vital genes for male fertility will then represent the final state of the degenerated Y chromosome.
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  • 85
    ISSN: 1573-6849
    Keywords: cat ; chromosome painting ; comparative mapping ; dog ; evolution ; human
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology
    Notes: Abstract Domestic cats and dogs are important companion animals and model animals in biomedical research. The cat has a highly conserved karyotype, closely resembling the ancestral karyotype of mammals, while the dog has one of the most extensively rearranged mammalian karyotypes investigated so far. We have constructed the first detailed comparative chromosome map of the domestic dog and cat by reciprocal chromosome painting. Dog paints specific for the 38 autosomes and the X chromosomes delineated 68 conserved chromosomal segments in the cat, while reverse painting of cat probes onto red fox and dog chromosomes revealed 65 conserved segments. Most conserved segments on cat chromosomes also show a high degree of conservation in G-banding patterns compared with their canine counterparts. At least 47 chromosomal fissions (breaks), 25 fusions and one inversion are needed to convert the cat karyotype to that of the dog, confirming that extensive chromosome rearrangements differentiate the karyotypes of the cat and dog. Comparative analysis of the distribution patterns of conserved segments defined by dog paints on cat and human chromosomes has refined the human/cat comparative genome map and, most importantly, has revealed 15 cryptic inversions in seven large chromosomal regions of conserved synteny between humans and cats.
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  • 86
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    Journal of chemical ecology 26 (2000), S. 1773-1794 
    ISSN: 1573-1561
    Keywords: Grasshoppers ; polyphagy ; graminivory ; evolution ; secondary compound ; peritrophic envelope ; midgut ceca ; learning
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Biology , Chemistry and Pharmacology
    Notes: Abstract Modern grasshoppers probably evolved from polyphagous ancestors endowed with the ability to tolerate many plant secondary compounds. This tolerance involves various behavioral and anatomical adaptations. Polyphagous grasshoppers have a relatively low level of sensitivity to the taste of many secondary compounds, and, if they do respond to the taste, have the capacity to habituate. This gives time for the induction of detoxifying enzymes so that unpalatable but potentially nutritious plants may be eaten safely. Associative learning involving secondary compounds may be important in food aversion learning, enabling the insects to avoid foods that have inappropriate nutrients, for example. Learning is also involved when grasshoppers develop associations between the taste of chemicals in the surface waxes of plants and internal leaf chemistry, enabling them to make faster decisions about the acceptability of a plant. Anatomically, the midgut ceca of polyphagous grasshoppers have well-developed posterior arms, and it is possible that these are especially important in detoxification, while some species, in addition, have a specialized pocket region in which macromolecules accumulate to be eliminated from the body when the lining of peritrophic envelope is drawn out. Polyphagous species also have thick peritrophic envelopes to which various phenolics become adsorbed. Finally, the midgut environment contains surfactants that reduce tannin–protein complexing except at very high tannin concentrations. Some polyphagous species can utilize secondary compounds as defensive substances or, in one case, in cuticular sclerotization. Grass feeding has evolved on numerous occasions from these polyphagous ancestors, and it has been associated with a loss of many of the characters providing protection from secondary compounds.
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    Quality of life research 9 (2000), S. 39-53 
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Disease-specific scale ; Generic scale ; Onychomycosis ; Quality of life ; Reliability ; Responsiveness ; Validity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract According to survey research, onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the toenail or fingernail, affects quality of life including physical and social functioning and emotional health. We developed an onychomycosis disease-specific questionnaire (ODSQ) that sensitively assessed symptom distress, functional impact, and social stigma associated with the disease. Samples of patients enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial were used for the psychometric evaluations. The multi-item scales were internally consistent (α ≥ 0.80) and reproducible (ICC 〉 0.85). Interscale correlations between the ODSQ and generic scales were moderate and consistent with the hypothesized magnitude and directions. Construct validation, employing known groups analysis, supported the hypothesized impact of onychomycosis on three domains of quality of life: physical functioning, emotional health, and social functioning. Significant differences were found between clinically “cured”, “improved”, or “failed” patients, and between mycologically “eradicated” and “persistent” patients. The ODSQ was responsive to clinical change and more sensitive than derived Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 scales. The ODSQ provides reliable, validated and responsive information about the consequences of onychomycosis and its treatment.
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  • 88
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Assessment ; EORTC QLQ-H&N35 ; Laryngeal cancer ; Quality of life ; Questionnaire ; Validation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The aim of this study was to test the validity and reliability of the European organization for research and treatment of cancer (EORTC) quality of life questionnaire (QLQ)-head and neck (H&N) 35 in Italian laryngeal cancer patients. The original questionnaire was developed by the EORTC quality of life (QoL) study group and tested in H&N cancer patients from Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The Italian translation of the questionnaire used in this study was made by a team of the CRO, National Cancer Institute, using a double-back translation method between independent translators. The translated EORTC QLQ-H&N35 was given to 99 patients with H&N cancer who had undergone total laryngectomy 1–26 years before and had been then treated with radiotherapy and, in some cases, chemotherapy. The questionnaire was re-administrated to 33 patients after 1 month to test its stability over time. It was structurally made up of seven scales (pain, swallowing, sense, speech, social eating, social contact, and sexuality) and 11 single items that considered the most important clinical aspects characterizing the QoL in H&N cancer patients. The statistical analysis of the indexes of validity and reliability confirmed the results obtained with other linguistic versions of the questionnaire. Our Italian version of the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 proved to be a statistically valid instrument to assess QoL in laryngectomized patients.
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  • 89
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Breast cancer ; EORTC QLQ-BR23 ; Iran ; Quality of life ; Validation study
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The objective of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Iranian version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Breast Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-BR23). The English-language version of the questionnaire was translated into Persian (Iranian language) and its final form was approved by the EORTC Study Group on Quality of Life and then it was used in this study. The questionnaire was administered at two points in time to a consecutive sample of 168 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and almost all of them (99%) found the questions easy to understand and acceptable. Cronbach's α coefficient for multi-item scales (to test reliability) ranged from 0.63 to 0.95 at baseline and from 0.75 to 0.92 at follow-up administration of the questionnaire. Validity analysis was performed using known-groups' comparison analysis. The results showed that all functional and symptom scales discriminated between sub-groups of patients differing in clinical status as defined by their performance status and disease stage. In addition, all functional and symptoms scales detected change over time, as a function of changes in patients' performance status. In general, the findings of this study indicated that the Iranian version of the EORTC QLQ-BR23 is a reliable and valid supplementary measure of the quality of life in breast cancer patients and can be used in clinical trials and studies of outcome research in oncology.
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  • 90
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Accommodation processes ; Quality of life ; Satisfaction ; Schizophrenia ; Social comparison
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract In schizophrenic patients, quality of life (QoL) studies often find high levels of general life satisfaction and satisfaction in various life domains despite deprived living conditions. Therefore, the usefulness of QoL as an outcome indicator has been questioned. Since social comparison processes have been postulated to be related to the level of satisfaction, this hypothesis was analysed empirically by the present study in schizophrenic patients. Satisfaction and social comparisons of 148 schizophrenic inpatients and 66 mentally healthy controls were examined with regard to the domains ‘health’ and ‘family’ by means of a standardised interview. The schizophrenic patients had a history of either long-term (n = 75) or short-term (n = 73) restricted and deprived living conditions. Long-term patients showed significantly higher satisfaction levels than short-term patients. They compared themselves predominantly laterally or downwards with fellow inpatients. Significant relationships between the direction of social comparisons and satisfaction ratings were found in all three samples. Social comparisons proved to be important for the level of satisfaction in schizophrenic patients. Results indicate that experiences of restricted and deprived living conditions induce accommodation processes and response-shifts that should be taken into account in the interpretation of quality-of-life data.
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    Quality of life research 9 (2000), S. 509-520 
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Arthritis impact measurement scales ; Elderly ; Patient generated index ; Quality of life ; Validity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the recently modified patient generated index (PGI) when used as a self-completed postal questionnaire by older people with arthritis. Two postal surveys were used, followed by interviews with a theoretically chosen sub-sample of respondents to both. Data from the self-completed modified PGI and the arthritis impact measurement scales (AIMS) and the interviews were assessed against 10 pre-defined validity criteria. A total number of 1027 people over 65 years old and with arthritis were surveyed and 53 were selected for interview. The response rates to the two-part survey were 78 and 83%. Complete data for the validity analysis were available from 47% of the respondents. The modified PGI met four and failed to meet six validity criteria. Pre-defined correlations were found with the AIMS and differentiation was possible between respondents with mild, moderate and severe arthritis and between those who had recently sought medical attention and those who had not. The areas that had been chosen for inclusion in the modified PGI were affected by arthritis but may not have been the ‘most important’ areas. The measurement method could not detect changes in health nor differentiate between respondents taking and not taking analgesics. There were several problems in the respondents' interpretation of the instructions, which were only revealed during the interviews. These data should help inform further modification of the PGI.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 92
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    Quality of life research 9 (2000), S. 667-674 
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Eating disorders ; Quality of life ; Patient outcomes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Objective: This study investigated the perception of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in ambulatory patients with eating disorders in relation to the severity of eating symptomatology and psychological comorbidity. Methods: One hundred ninety-seven study patients were consecutively recruited at the Eating Disorders Outpatient Clinic. Short Form-36 items (SF-36), a generic HRQoL questionnaire, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) were used to measure different aspects of HRQoL. The results of the SF-36 were compared with the norms of the Spanish general population for women 18–34 years of age. Results: Patients with eating disorders were more dysfunctional in all areas of the SF-36 compared with women in the general population. There were no differences among the eating disorder diagnostic groups. Higher scores on the EAT-40 and the HAD were associated with a perception of greater impairment on all SF-36 subscales. Conclusion: The evaluation of HRQoL in these patients confirms the impact of these disorders on daily life in areas not directly related to eating disorders. The SF-36 is useful for discriminating among different levels of severity of eating disorders and other psychological comorbidities of these patients.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 93
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    Quality of life research 9 (2000), S. 847-854 
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Fatigue ; Neoplasms ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms experienced by cancer patients, yet until recent years it has received little systematic attention, due in part to the lack of adequate instruments to measure fatigue. The primary aim of this report is to further validate a recently developed measure of fatigue for use with cancer patients: the Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI). This 13-item self-report measure was designed to measure the intensity and duration of fatigue and its interference with quality of life. The FSI was originally validated in a sample of breast cancer patients and a sample of healthy individuals. In this study, the FSI was evaluated in an outpatient sample that included male and female cancer patients, as well as some older patients, with a variety of cancer diagnoses. A seven-item interference scale was found to have good internal consistency, with α coefficients above 0.90. Convergent validity was demonstrated via comparisons with an existing measure of fatigue. Construct validity was demonstrated via comparisons with measure of life satisfaction and depression as well as comparisons among subgroups of patients expected to differ in their experience of fatigue. Overall, the FSI was further established as a valid and reliable measure of fatigue in cancer patients. The potential application of this measure in psychosocial oncology research is discussed.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 94
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Age ; Early stage breast cancer (ESBC) ; Quality of life ; Sociodemographic profile
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract This paper reports the quality of life (QoL) of a large cohort of Australian women three and twelve months after surgery for early stage breast cancer (ESBC), and shows that the impact of disease and treatment on QoL differed by age, education and marital status. Eighty-three percent of eligible patients were recruited; 86% had breast conserving surgery and 14% mastectomy. Response rates were 93% (n = 305) at three months and 88% (n = 291) at one year. Quality of life was measured with the EORTC core questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and an ESBC-specific questionnaire. Multilevel analysis was used to estimate the effects and interactions of time, treatment and patient characteristics. Most symptoms declined between three months and one year, but arm and menopausal symptoms persisted. Emotional, social and role functioning improved over time, and fear of disease recurrence diminished. Younger women faired worse than older women on a broad range of QoL dimensions. Single women and those with less education faired worse on a number of dimensions. The negative impact of mastectomy on body image was greatest among married women, particularly young married women. These sociodemographic distinctions are relevant when discussing treatment options with women facing a diagnosis of ESBC.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 95
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    Quality of life research 9 (2000), S. 811-817 
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Cost-benefit analysis ; Decision making-computer assisted ; Preferences ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and internal consistency of measurements of utilities performed with a computer program (iMPACT2) designed for Internet surveys and Internet patient decision-support systems. Methods: We implemented the Internet Multimedia Preference Assessor Construction Tool, version 2 (iMPACT2) program using the combination of a web server, HTML files, and a web-accessible database. The program randomized subjects, screened their responses for missing data and failures of internal consistency, assisted patients with resolving certain inconsistencies, and, upon a subject's completion of the protocol, provided a report of results to the research assistant administering the program. To validate the iMPACT2 program, we recruited 60 healthy community volunteers and elicited preferences in a research-lab setting using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the standard gamble (SG) for subject's current health and three hypothetical states. For purposes of comparison, we also administered a Short Form-12 (SF-12) health-assessment questionnaire. Subjects used the computer software on two occasions separated by 2–4 weeks of time. Results: Visual analog scale and standard gamble ratings for subjects' current health were reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.82 and 0.84 (two outliers excluded − 0.60 without exclusions), respectively) were comparable with the reliability of the Physical and Mental Component scales of the SF-12 (ICCs of 0.84 and 0.75, respectively). Subjects could easily discriminate between hypothetical states (D scores 0.74 for SG and 0.90 for VAS), and 94% had a completely internally consistent ordering of preference ratings for states. Conclusions: iMPACT2 produces measurements of standard gamble utilities that are reliable and have a high degree of internal consistency. Procedures for assessment of utilities developed for desktop computer programs can be translated to software designed for the Internet, facilitating the use of utilities and endpoints in clinical trials and development of web-based decision-support applications for patients. However, further testing, including direct comparisons with traditional interviewer administered utility elicitation protocols, is needed.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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  • 96
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Antiretroviral therapy ; Canada ; HIV/AIDS ; Protease inhibitors ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of the use of HIV protease inhibitors on the quality of life among persons infected with HIV. Methods: Subjects were participants in the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program who had completed two annual participant surveys, one prior to initiating therapy with a protease inhibitor and one after. Quality of life was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey (MOS-SF). Statistical analyses were conducted using parametric and multivariate methods. Results: Our analysis was based on 179 HIV-positive individuals. Compared to quality of life at baseline, we found no statistically significant changes in the health perception, pain, physical, role and social functioning MOS-SF subscale scores at follow-up. The measure of mental health was the only component to decline significantly over time. Sub-analyses found significant increases in the measures of health perception (p = 0.004), physical (p = 0.037), role (p 〈 0.001) and social functioning (p = 0.053) for individuals with a low baseline quality of life. For those with a higher quality of life before starting a protease inhibitor containing regimen we observed a significant decline in the subscales of mental health (p = 0.001), physical (p = 0.007), role (p = 0.021) and social functioning (p = 0.003) over the study period. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that despite strict dosage requirements and adverse side effects associated with protease inhibitor use patients are on the whole maintaining their quality of life after starting on a protease inhibitor containing regimen. Continued follow-up of this cohort will be required to determine the long term implications of these observations.
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  • 97
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Determinants ; Head and neck cancer ; Optimism ; Outcome ; Quality of life
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the role of dispositional optimism (DO) as a predictor of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in a sample of upper aerodigestive tract cancer (UADT) patients. A prospective observational study design was used with a cohort of patients from one centre. DO was evaluated using a French version of the Life Orientation Test (the FLOT) translated and validated for this study. HRQL was evaluated using the EORTC QLQ-C30 prior to and 3 months following treatment. The association between FLOT ratings and HRQL was evaluated using linear multiple regression analysis and a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. Baseline data were gathered on 101 subjects and follow-up data on 88 of these. The sample was dichotomized around the median FLOT score creating ‘optimist’ and ‘pessimist’ groups. Before treatment, optimists reported better role, cognitive and emotional function, less pain and fatigue and a better global rating of HRQL than did pessimists. Following treatment, optimists reported better role and cognitive functioning, less pain and better global HRQL than did pessimists. Pessimists reported a greater deterioration in the role domain following treatment than did optimists. At no point did pessimists rate HRQL better than optimists. The results suggest that optimism is associated with better HRQL in French UADT cancer patients.
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  • 98
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    Quality of life research 9 (2000), S. 721-731 
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Measures ; Menopause ; Methodology ; Quality of life ; Symptoms
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract The methodology in studies of the menopausal transition involves a consideration of social, statistical, and psychometric issues. Social issues are relevant on two levels. One is based upon principles of good practice in research on women and health that have been articulated at the international level. The other social level involves a consideration of the aims of the study and how these aims are implemented in the measures that are used, both for the symptoms of menopause and for the quality of life of the women involved in the research. We review the basic principles and issues related to sampling of population studies, physiological changes, and measurement of quality of life. Three recent measures of quality of life designed for studies of the menopause are then briefly reviewed.
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  • 99
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    Quality of life research 9 (2000), S. 13-27 
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Quality of life ; Questionnaire design ; Survey methods
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Researchers developing or using health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instruments can benefit from knowledge of state-of-the-art formatting methods for self-administered questionnaires. Three objectives in formatting design are: (1) to reduce errors in respondent navigation through the questionnaire that lead to item non-response and question misinterpretation; (2) to reduce respondent and administrative burden; and (3) to enhance respondent motivation in question answering and compliance with the request to participate. Based on an extensive literature review to identify techniques that have been shown to meet these objectives, we developed specific guidelines for HRQOL instruments concerning all aspects of questionnaire formatting. These guidelines represent well-motivated recommendations for improving HRQOL instruments, although their overall impact has not been empirically tested. We applied the guidelines to several HRQOL instruments that are widely used internationally, and obtained approval from the developers for all formatting changes to their instruments. Applying cognitive design principles and empirically substantiated formatting techniques produces an HRQOL instrument formatting with six critical attributes: simple, consistent, organized, natural, clear and attractive. The present paper contributes to the emerging research literature on the cognitive processes by which respondents answer HRQOL questions and demonstrates how `cognitive aspects of survey methodology' research can improve HRQOL data collection efforts.
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  • 100
    ISSN: 1573-2649
    Keywords: Dialysis ; End-stage renal disease ; Quality of life ; SF-36
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Medicine
    Notes: Abstract Objective: To evaluate the construct validity of the Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and to assess the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) at the initiation of maintenance dialysis treatment. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Eight ambulatory dialysis units in São Paulo city, Brazil. Study participants: Eighty ESRD patients at the initiation of chronic dialysis program and consecutively accepted for treatment in selected units in 1998. Main outcome measures: Quality of life as measured by the dimensions of the SF-36 questionnaire. The `Kidney Disease Questionnaire' was used in a subgroup of patients to evaluate the validity of the SF-36. Results: Median (range) scores of the SF-36 dimensions (ranging from 0 to 100, higher scores representing better quality of life) were: Physical Function 70 (0–100), Role Limitations due to Physical Problems 25 (0–100), Bodily Pain 62 (0–100), General Health 57 (5–100), Vitality 55 (10–100), Social Function 63 (0–100), Role Limitations due to Emotional Problems 34 (0–100) and Mental Health 68 (0–100). SF-36 dimensions correlated significantly with those of the `Kidney Disease Questionnaire' (correlation coefficients ranging from 0.23 to 0.68). Conclusions: The SF-36 was shown to have construct validity when used in patients with ESRD in Brazil. The quality of life of ESRD patients is impaired at the initiation of dialysis treatment and this was clearly evidenced in the Role Limitations due to Physical Function and Emotional Function items. Greater attention should be given to interventions that could improve the quality of life parameters at the initiation of dialysis treatment.
    Type of Medium: Electronic Resource
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