A method to determine the combined effects of climate change (temperature and humidity) and eggshell thickness on water loss from bird eggs.

Differences in bird eggshell thicknesses occur due to numerous factors, including thinning due to persistent organic pollutants. Not only does thinning weaken the shell; weaker shells combined with elevated ambient temperature and changes in humidities may result in changes in water loss rates from the egg contents. Therefore, thinner eggshells raise concern of water being lost faster than normal at lower relative humidities, which may affect hatching.

The (a)-Symptomatic Vertebral Fracture: A Frequently Discovered Entity With Clinical Relevance in Fracture Patients Screened on Osteoporosis.

Objective: Description of the prevalence of vertebral fractures in a fracture and osteoporosis outpatient clinic (FO-Clinic) and evaluation of the value of spinal radiographs by screening on osteoporosis.

Design: Retrospective data collection, description, and analysis.

Methods: All patients admitted to the FO-Clinic during the period of December 2005 until October 2006 were enrolled in this study.

Comparisons of the fibrin networks during pregnancy, nonpregnancy and pregnancy during dysfibrinogenaemia using the scanning electron microscope.

In normal pregnancy there is an increase in procoagulant activity. Furthermore, the fibrinolytic activity is impaired and remains low during labor and delivery, but returns rapidly to normal, following delivery. Here, we show ultrastructural changes in fibrin networks found in pregnant individuals and nonpregnant individuals.

The role of endorectal ultrasound in therapeutic decision-making for local vs. transabdominal resection of rectal tumors.

Introduction: In rectal tumors, preoperative biopsies frequently fail to diagnose an invasive carcinoma. Endorectal ultrasound is considered a useful adjunct in preoperative staging of rectal tumors. However, feasibility of endorectal ultrasound and its role in therapeutic decision-making in presumed rectal adenomas is sparsely studied.