bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro fertilization following laparoscopic ovarian diathermy in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Colacurci Nicola , Zullo Fulvio , De Franciscis Pasquale , Mollo Antonio , De Placido Giuseppe
Published: March 2008

Background. To evaluate the in vitro fertilization outcome in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome previously treated by laparoscopic ovarian diathermy.

Methods. We designed a prospective study to compare in vitro fertilization stimulation parameters and pregnancy rate for two groups of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. In the first group, we included 23 patients previously treated by laparoscopic ovarian electrodia‐thermy (group A), in the second group we included 36 women who did not undergo surgical treatment (group B). All patients underwent the same ovarian hyperstimulation protocol and a standard in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer technique. In a limited number of women (five in group A and eight in group B) we measured the levels of sex steroids in follicular fluid. Statistical analysis was performed by means of chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test to compare frequencies and by means of the Student's t‐test or ANOVA test to compare means. Significance was set at p<0.05.

Results. In group A we found a significantly higher ongoing pregnancy rate (28.6% in group A vs 7.3% in group B), a significantly lower estradiol peak level (1722.73 ± 522.24 in group A vs 2314.48 ± 692.60 in group B), a trend for lower abortion rates and an improvement in the number of patients administered human chorionic gonadotropin than in group B. The levels of estradiol, testosterone and androstenedione in follicular fluid were significantly lower from small to intermediate and to large follicles in group A, while in group B only estradiol and androstenedione were different. Lower levels of androstenedione and testosterone were found in each follicular pool of group A, compared to the respective pool in group B.

Conclusion. We report a significantly better ongoing pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer procedures in women pretreated by means of laparoscopic ovarian electrocautery. These results may be related to lower androgen levels in the follicular fluid.
The female pelvic floor: A dome‐not a basin
Authors: Hjartardóttir SigrúN , Nilsson Jan , Petersen Cecilia , Lingman Goran
Published: March 2008

Background. Classically and based on necropsy observations, the muscles of the pelvic floor (the levator ani and coccygeus muscles) have been described as having the shape of a basin. In a previous study by Hugosson et al. (1991), magnetic resonance imaging revealed the dome shape of the pelvic floor in live subjects when muscular tonus is present.

Methods. The normal anatomy and the dynamic movements of the female pelvis were examined with magnetic resonance imaging including conventional and fast sequences. Six nulliparous and six parous healthy women without signs or symptoms of pelvic relaxation were studied in the supine position at rest, during voluntary pelvic contractions and during bearing down.

Results. The levator ani muscle was dome‐shaped at rest. During voluntary pelvic contractions the muscle straightened, becoming more horizontal and during bearing down it descended, becoming basin‐shaped. The width of the genital hiatus was the same in both groups at rest and it widened during bearing down in all but two 3‐para women. The bladder base was lifted upward and forward during voluntary pelvic contractions but during bearing down it descended.

The rectum at rest had a posterior angle which decreased during voluntary pelvic contractions and increased during bearing down.

Conclusions. MRI of the female pelvis is valuable in anatomic and dynamic analysis in healthy women and offers new information about the female pelvic floor. The female pelvic floor is shaped like a dome ‐ not like a basin.
Cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity and the protective effect of fosfomycin on it as demonstrated by using a crossover study of urinary metabolite levels
Authors: Hayashi Masatoshi , Numaguchi Masahide , Watabe Hideki , Enomoto Hideo , Yaoi Yoshimasa
Published: March 2008

Background. Cisplatin induces nephrotoxicity and this study evaluated the protective effect of fosfomycin on it in 11 gynecological cancer patients.

Methods. The N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG), β2‐microglobulin (β2MG), creatinine (uCr) and total protein (TP) levels in a 24‐hour urine specimen as well as the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (sCr) were measured before and after CAPF chemotherapy alone (control) or with fosfomycin.

Results. The results were statistically analyzed by using the t‐test. NAG, β2MG, uCr and TP levels increased significantly after chemotherapy in the control patients, but BUN and sCr levels did not change significantly. The NAG level in the control group was twice as high as in the fosfomycin group 8 days after chemotherapy (p<0.01). The uCr and TP in control patients increased significantly after chemotherapy when compared to those in patients coadministered fosfomycin. There were no significant changes in β2MG, BUN and sCr levels. Conclusions. Cisplatin affected the levels of NAG, β2MG, uCr and TP without influencing BUN and sCr levels. Fosfomycin, therefore, may be useful as a supplemental treatment for reducing cisplatin nephrotoxicity, especially proximal tubular damage.
Can women with intrapartum rupture of anal sphincter still suffer after‐effects two decades later?
Authors: Haadem Knut , Gudmundsson Saemundur
Published: March 2008

Background. Recent research has revealed that women who suffer anal sphincter rupture (ASR) during delivery can experience persisting complaints some time afterwards. Examinations have been made some years postpartum, but it would be of interest to know if women with anal sphincer rupture might still have complaints attributable to the tear, two decades later.

Method and material. A questionnaire was mailed to women with recorded intrapartum anal sphincter rupture (n=66) and to matched controls without anal sphincter rupture (n=66), two decades after the event.

Results. Forty‐one of the anal sphincter rupture women and 38 controls replied. Anal problems were more often experienced by the anal sphincter rupture subjects (n=18) than by the controls (n=7) (p<0.01). Complaints such as anal fissures, gas incontinence and leakage into lingerie were significantly more common in the sphincter rupture group. Four claimed the physic trauma had deterred them from further pregnancy; two had nevertheless given birth later on. Five (12%) of the women were unaware that they had sustained a sphincter tear.

Conclusion. Women with intrapartum anal sphincter rupture can still suffer problems 20 years afterwards. In the follow‐up of these women, information and support are essential and active tracing of such women is to be recommended.
Early dating by ultrasound and perinatal outcome
Authors: Høgberg Ulf , Larsson Nils
Published: March 2008

Background. This study aims to evaluate the impact of routine ultrasound in early pregnancy on pregnancy outcome and perinatal mortality.

Methods. Using the Swedish Medical Birth Registry, a two‐stage study was designed. First, an ecological study that included data from 45 hospitals, with 1,280,746 children born during the years 1974‐1991, was designed by differentiating hospitals on the basis of ultrasound usage. Second, a historical cohort study (n=60,864) was designed for the years 1982‐84, including a treatment group (having had routine ultrasound in early pregnancy) and a reference group (having had no routine ultrasound).

Results. In hospitals practicing early dating by ultrasound, post‐term births were reduced from 13.3% to 7.4%, while pre‐term births were increased from 5.7% to 6.8%. For the treatment group, the cohort study showed: 1) fewer post‐term births, RR 0.7 (95% CL 0.7‐0.8), 2) lower post‐term perinatal mortality, RR 0.3 (95% CL 0.1‐1.0), 3) fewer twin births post‐term, RR 0.1 (95%CL 0.1‐0.7), 4) fewer acute growth retarded among term, RR 0.7 (95% CL 0.6‐0.9) and post‐term, RR 0.3 (95% CL 0.1‐1.1), and 5) a tendency towards less asphyxia among post‐term births.

Conclusion. The study shows that early dating with ultrasound increases the possibilities of clinical judgment at the end of the pregnancy and also indicates that the procedure could contribute to a positive perinatal outcome.
Transcranial assessment of maternal cerebral blood flow velocity in patients with pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Ohno Yasumasa , Kawai Michiyasu , Wakahara Yasunori , Kitagawa Takeshi , Kakihara Masaki , Arii Yoshitaro
Published: March 2008

Background. To clarify the cerebral hemodynamics in pre‐eclamptic pregnant women, we investigated the blood flow velocity of the cerebral arteries.

Methods. The mean blood flow velocity and pulsatility index (PI) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) in normal pregnant women (n=35) and preeclamptic patients (n=18) were examined transcranially using pulsed‐wave Doppler technique with a 2 MHz probe. In two pre‐eclamptic women with post‐partum visual disturbance, we examined the mean blood flow velocity and PI of the MCA and ICA every day.

Results. The mean blood flow velocity of the MCA in the pre‐eclamptic patients (89.7±20.5 cm/s) was significantly higher than that in the normal pregnant women (53.6±16.9 cm/s) (p<0.05). PI of the MCA in the former group (0.67±0.13) was significantly lower than that in the latter (0.78±0.02) (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between these two groups in these variables of the ICA. In the two patients with visual disturbance, the mean blood flow velocity of the MCA was increased before the onset of visual disturbance and decreased gradually following the disappearance of this symptom. In these patients, spasm of the MCA was confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography.

Conclusions. In pre‐eclamptic patients, we found increased MCA mean velocity before the onset of visual disturbance. Transcranial Doppler may be useful for the evaluation of cerebral hemodynamics and the prediction of eclampsia.
Intrapartum death of nonmalformed fetuses in Denmark and Sweden in 1991
Authors: Westergaard Hanne Brix , Langhoff‐Roos Jens , Larsen Steen , Borch‐Christensen Hanne , Lindmark Gunilla
Published: March 2008

Background. In 1991 the rate of intrapartum death of non‐malformed fetuses was higher in Denmark than in Sweden (4.2 vs. 1.9 per 10,000, OR 2.24). However, it is not clear whether this difference reflects potentially avoidable cases and / or suboptimal care.

Material and Methods. Short descriptions were made from medical records of all 50 intrapartum deaths in Denmark and Sweden in 1991. Ten obstetricians, two from each of the Nordic countries, reviewed the cases to determine whether (1) intra‐uterine death might have occurred before admission, (2) surveillance and intervention were insufficient, (3) fetal death was potentially avoidable by improved obstetric care; and, if so, to suggest ways of improved health care.

Results. There was a statistically higher rate of insufficient care (surveillance and intervention) (high or less degree) in the Danish cases (66% vs. 55%). The proportion of potentially avoidable fetal deaths was also higher in Denmark (59% vs. 52%) although the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion. The significantly higher rate of intrapartum death of non‐malformed infants in 1991 in Denmark compared to Sweden might be reduced by improved intrapartum surveillance and interventions.
Ability of intrauterine bacterial lipopolysaccharide to cause in situ uterine contractions in pregnant rabbits
Authors: Katsuki Yukio , Kaga Nobuhiko , Kakinuma Chihaya , Takagaki Kinya , Kajikawa Satoshi , Shibutani Yasunori
Published: March 2008

Background. To investigate the ability of bacterial lipopolysaccharide delivered by the intrauterine route to cause uterine contractions in rabbits, and to assess the suppressive effect of urinar trypsin inhibitor on them.

Methods. Both pregnant and non‐pregnant rabbits were chronically implanted with a force‐transducer to make it possible to record isometric uterine contractions under unanesthetized and unrestrained conditions. Lipopolysaccharide (10 mg/animal) was administered via a catheter to their uteri: and then, after confirmation of lipopolysaccharide‐induced uterine contractions. urinary trypsin inhibitor (3.000 or 10.000 units/animal/time) or saline solution was injected through the catheter, 5 times for pregnant animals or 3 times for non‐pregnant animals at 1‐hour intervals in both cases. Their uterine contractions were continuously recorded for 3 to 5 hours. Effects of lipopolysaccharide (10 ug/ml) and urinary trypsin inhibitor (100 and 1.000 units/ml) on the contraction of isolated uteri from pregnant mice were also measured, as was their production of prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2α by an enzyme immunoassay method.

Results. Lipopolysaccharide augmented the in situ uterine contractions in both pregnant and non‐pregnant rabbits, as well as the in vitro contractions of isolated uteri from pregnant mice. Lipopolysaccharide also increased the uterine prostaglandin production. Urinary trypsin inhibitor inhibited significantly the lipopolysaccharide‐induced uterine contractions and the prostaglandin production.

Conclusions. Lipopolysaccharide enhanced uterine contractions through, at least partly, a direct mechanism via uterine prostaglandin production, which action could explain the onset of preterm delhery due to intrauterine bacterial infection. As urinary trypsin inhibitor suppressed the lipopolysaccharide‐induced uterine contractions, this inhibitor may be a hopeful candidate of a drug for prevention of preterm delivery.
Short stature: An obstetric risk factor?
Authors: MöLler Bo , Lindmark Gunilla
Published: March 2008

Background. A short maternal stature is associated with an increased risk of obstructed labor due to cephalopelvic disproportion and most antenatal programs, including that of Tanzania. designate short women as “at risk”.

Objective. To determine mean maternal height in two obstetric populations and the effect, if any. of maternity care practices pertaining to maternal height, on interventions and outcome of pregnancy and delivery.

Methods. A community based study of pregnancy outcome for women in two villages in rural Tanzania of different profiles and ethnicity.

Results. In fiula 54% of cesarean sections were in the 4% of women under 150 cm and 39% of short women delivered in hospital. In Ikwiriri 23% of parturients were under 150 cm and height did not correlate to the duration of labor, referral patterns or Cesarean section rates. There are indications that fertility rate is reduced in short women in Hula but not in Ikwiriri. a result of the problems and risks of Cesarean section for women living in rural areas.

Conclusions. The distribution of maternal height in the population should be considered when the cut‐off height for the ‘at risk’ designation is chosen. The implications of attaching an ‘at risk’ label is discussed and a call is made for regional specific and agreed risk criteria.
Risk of retained placenta: Multivariate approach
Authors: Adelusi Babatunde , Soltan Mohamed H. , Chowdhury Noori , Kangave Dustan
Published: March 2008

Background. To identify important covariates related to retained placenta using logistic regression analysis.

Methods. The study was carried out in the King Khalid University Hospital, Saudi Arabia, and involved 114 women who had retained placenta, and 116 women with normal deliveries. Chi‐square test and logistic regression analysis were used for analysis of data. Adequacy of predictor variables was examined using indices of sensitivity and specificity and plots of probability histograms for prediction of retained placenta among patients and controls.

Results. Logistic regression analysis highlighted multiparity, induced labor, small placenta, and large amount of blood loss to be significantly associated with retained placenta. In addition. high pregnancy number, previous injury to uterus, and pre‐term labor related significantly to retained placenta. Predictor variables had sensitivity of 65.5% and 87.9% specificity and achieved 77% overall correct classification.

Conclusions. These findings could be used to develop a predictive procedure for identifying high‐risk cases of retained placenta.
An analysis of the factors involved in the diagnostic accuracy of colposcopically directed biopsy
Authors: Baldauf Jean‐Jacques , Dreyfus Michel , Ritter Jean , Philippe Emile
Published: March 2008

Objective. To compare the results of colposcopically directed biopsy with the final diagnosis established by the analysis of the surgical specimen, and to determine the clinical and colposcopy factors on which the reliability of biopsy is based.

Material and methods. Five hundred and sixty‐seven women were seen by the same colposcopist who also performed the directed biopsies and/or the endocervical curettage. The final histological diagnosis identified 29 normal aspects (5.2%), 58 low‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN) (10.2%). 448 high‐grade CINs (79.0%), 16 microinvasive cancers (2.8%) and 16 occult invasive cancers (2.8%). The influence of several factors ‐ such as age, parity, menopause, pregnancy, history of cervical treatment, site of the squamocolumnar junction, localization, size and severity of the lesions ‐ on the pertinence of the biopsy was studied in a uni‐ and multifactorial analysis.

Results. Colposcopy was satisfactory in 399 patients (70.4%) in whom the colposcopic aspect was consistent with the final histological diagnosis in 81.2% of cases. The global agreement between biopsy diagnosis and final diagnosis was observed in 89.6% of cases. It was 84.2% for low‐grade CINs. 95.8% for high‐grade CINs, 31.2% for microinvasive cancers and 81.2% for imasive cancers. No clinical or colposcopic factor could be identified as independent factor associated with the diagnostic agreement with the directed biopsy. Conversely, concordance of biopsy was related to the final diagnosis since the only independent risk factors were a high‐grade CIN (adjusted risk ratio (ARR)=1.52, 95% CI= 1.11–2.08: p=0.006) and a microinvasive or invasive cancer (ARR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.39–0.81; p=0.002).

Conclusion. To ensure that a microinvasive cancer has not been overlooked, the excision of high‐grade CINs seems to be justified, whatever the clinical status and the colposcopic aspect.
Effect of arginine vasopressin on breathing movements of chronically instrumented fetal lambs
Authors: Bessho Takefumi , Murata Yuji , Ninomiya Yuko , Ibara Satoshi , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Miyake Yoshiaki , Tyner James G.
Published: March 2008

Background. In hypoxic conditions, fetal breathing movements (FBM) are reportedly inhibited with simultaneous elevation of the plasma level of catecholamines and arginine vasopressin (AVP). Although some kinds of catecholamines are reported to inhibit FBM, the effects of AVP on FBM are still unknown. The present study was undertaken to elucidate whether or not AVP has an inhibitory effect on FBM and electrocortical activities in chronically instrumented fetal lambs.

Methods. Arginine vasopressin was injected slowly into the fetal external jugular vein via a catheter over a 30 minute period at an infusion rate of 4.9–10.0 mlU/minute/body. In 15 fetuses (36 estimations) the mean fetal age, mean estimated fetal body weight, and mean infusion dose were 132.4×4.5days, 3.4×0.3kg and 1.7×0.3 mlU/kg/min.

Results. The infusion caused a persistent decrease in the fetal heart rate and an increase in the fetal arterial pressure during the 30 minute period. The infusion of AVP resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of FBM from 36.1 × 14.8% to 12.4×14.9% (p > 0.01). However, there were no significant differences in the incidence of the low voltage fast (LVF) activity before and during infusion of AVP.

Conclusion. AVP has an inhibitory effect on FBM. The mechanism of this inhibition was not a direct suppression of the CNS as there was a dissociation between FBM and the electrocortical activity during infusion of AVP.
Transvaginal sonographic assessment of cervical dynamics during the third trimester of normal pregnancy
Authors: Brieger Geoffrey M. , Ning Xie Hong , Dawkins Robert R. , Ying Kong Qiu , Weng Cai , Chang Allan M. Z. , Haines Christopher J.
Published: March 2008

Background. To obtain a normogram of measurements of the uterine cervix by transvaginal sonography during the third trimester of normal primiparous pregnancies and to relate these measurements to the events surrounding labor.

Methods. A prospective observational study, set in Guangzhou, Peoples Republic of China, was undertaken. Fifty‐five normal nulliparous Chinese women with singleton pregnancies were studied from 30 weeks gestation until delivery. Serial transvaginal ultrasound examinations were performed at 30. 32. 34 and 36 weeks gestation and weekly thereafter. Results. There was a significant correlation between gestational age and cervical length and width. Funnelling of the internal os was present in 25% of cases, and its earliest appearance was at 36 weeks. There was no consistent relationship between funnel length and width and gestational age. The duration of the first stage of labor was inversely correlated with the last ultrasound measurement of cervical length, but there was no relationship with either cervical width nor the presence of funnelling. The cervical changes in this population differed from those found in Caucasians.

Conclusions. There is a direct relationship between both cervical width and length and gestational age and an inverse relationship with cervical length and the duration of labor. Funnelling of i he internal os was not a predictor of the early onset of labor. The dimensions and features of the Asian cervix differ from those of the Europeans, and this should be considered when conducting further studies of a similar nature.
Transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound for monitoring the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Greco Pantaleo , Cormio Gennaro , Vimercati Antonella , Nacci Grazia , di Vagno Giovanni , Loverro Giuseppe , Selvaggi Luigi
Published: March 2008

Background. To evaluate the role of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound in monitoring the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally‐advanced cervical cancer.

Methods. Fourteen patients with locally‐advanced cervical cancer, scheduled for neoadjuvant chemotherapy, were investigated with transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography before and at the completion of chemotherapy in order to study hemodynamic changes in cervical and intratumoral vessels. Twenty healthy women matched for age and parity served as a control group. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t test for paired data.

Results. Statistically different blood flow recording between patients with cervical cancer and healthy controls could be observed only in intratumoral vessels. A significant increase of RI and PI values, recorded in both cervical artery and intratumoral vessels, have been observed in the group of patients responding to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In patients with stable disease at the completion of chemotherapy, flow characteristics did not change significantly.

Conclusion. Preliminary results of our study suggest that transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound evaluation of flow characteristics in the cervical and intratumoral vessels might be useful in monitoring the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with invasive cervical cancer.
Contexts of rubbing behavior in Alouatta guariba clamitans: a scent‐marking role?
Authors: Hirano Zelinda Maria Braga , Correa Isabel Coelho , de Oliveira Dilmar Alberto Gonçalves
Published: March 2008

Rubbing behaviors are well known in several primate species and are usually seen as scent‐marking behaviors, with several functions proposed but still widely debated. The genus Alouatta is highly sexually dimorphic and a suitable subject for the study of sexual and hierarchical divergences associated with rubbing behavior: males should mark more than females, and dominant individuals more than subordinate ones. Three wild groups of Southern brown howler monkeys, Alouatta guariba clamitans, were studied at Morro Geisler, Indaial, Brazil, from September 2004 to February 2005. One hundred and twenty‐three rubbing episodes were registered; data on performers and associated contexts showed that anogenital, dorsum and hyoid regions were the most often rubbed. Adult males rubbed significantly above expected levels, whereas subordinated females and juveniles tended to rub below the expected levels. Females were the main performers of anogenital rubbing, often preceded by defecation. The predominance of rubbing in males probably serves an important function in intrasexual communication and social interactions. Intrasexual competition can also lead to a relationship between rubbing and social status in females. Hyoid and sternum rubbing by males are probably agonistic signals associated with extragroup conflict. The possible cleaning function of anogenital rubbing does not preclude a communicative function. Whether rubbing behavior in howlers is solely for the function of scent marking or can also be a visual signal (e.g. as a display or to color the substrate with pigment) requires further study. Am. J. Primatol. 70:575–583, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The functions of the “Greeting Ceremony” among male mantled howlers (Alouatta palliata) on Agaltepec Island, Mexico
Authors: Dias Pedro Américo D. , Rodríguez Luna Ernesto , Canales Espinosa Domingo
Published: March 2008

Nonhuman primates use greeting behaviors as nonaggressive communicatory signals in multiple social contexts. Adult male mantled howlers (Alouatta palliata) perform a ritual greeting that has been associated with bond‐strengthening functions. The aim of this study is to explore the greeting patterns of male howlers living on Agaltepec Island, Mexico. Specifically, we analyzed the relationships between greetings and several individual, relational, and contextual variables, such as the expression of affiliation and agonism, dominance rank, age, kinship relationships, spatial organization, activity patterns, and subgrouping patterns. Greetings were more frequent between males with closer dominance ranks. Among those dyads that greeted at least once, dominant males initiated greetings more frequently than less‐dominant males. On the other hand, more greetings were observed when one of the participants had recently returned to a subgroup and during locomotion. On the basis of these results, we propose that on Agaltepec greetings are a conflict management mechanism used between males of similar ranks. The fission–fusion social system of this group of howlers allows males with conflicting interests to remain separated, and greetings may reduce tension during fusion events. Am. J. Primatol. 70:621–628, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Grandmothers' longevity negatively affects daughters' fertility
Authors: Madrigal Lorena , Meléndez‐Obando Mauricio
Published: March 2008

The evolution of postmenopausal longevity in human females has been the subject of debate. Specifically, there is disagreement about whether the evolution of the trait should be understood as an adaptive or a neutral process, and if the former, what the selective mechanism is. There are two main adaptive proposals to explain the evolution of postreproductive longevity: the grandmother and the mother hypotheses. The grandmother hypothesis proposes that postreproductive longevity evolved because it is selectively advantageous for females to stop reproducing and to help raise their grandchildren. The mother hypothesis states that postmenopausal longevity evolved because it is advantageous for women to cease reproduction and concentrate their resources and energy in raising the children already produced. In this article, we test the mother and the grandmother hypotheses with a historical data set from which we bootstrapped random samples of women from different families who lived from the 1500s to the 1900s in the central valley of Costa Rica. We also compute the heritability of longevity, which allows us to determine if genes involved in longevity are nearly fixed in this population. Here we show that although longevity positively affects a woman's fertility, it negatively affects her daughter's fertility; for this reason, the heritability of longevity is unexpectedly high. Our data provide strong grounds for questioning the universality of the grandmother hypothesis and for supporting the mother hypothesis as a likely explanation for the evolution of human postreproductive longevity. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic variation in the enigmatic Altaian Kazakhs of South‐Central Russia: Insights into Turkic population history
Authors: Gokcumen Omer , Dulik Matthew C. , Pai Athma A. , Zhadanov Sergey I. , Rubinstein Samara , Osipova Ludmila P. , Andreenkov Oleg V. , Tabikhanova Ludmila E. , Gubina Marina A. , Labuda Damian , Schurr Theodore G.
Published: March 2008

The Altaian Kazakhs, a Turkic speaking group, now reside in the southern part of the Altai Republic in south‐central Russia. According to historical accounts, they are one of several ethnic and geographical subdivisions of the Kazakh nomadic group that migrated from China and Western Mongolia into the Altai region during the 19th Century. However, their population history of the Altaian Kazakhs and the genetic relationships with other Kazakh groups and neighboring Turkic‐speaking populations is not well understood. To begin elucidating their genetic history, we analyzed the mtDNAs from 237 Altaian Kazakhs through a combination of SNP analysis and HVS1 sequencing. This analysis revealed that their mtDNA gene pool was comprised of roughly equal proportions of East (A‐G, M7, M13, Y and Z) and West (H, HV, pre‐HV, R, IK, JT, X, U) Eurasian haplogroups, with the haplotypic diversity within haplogroups C, D, H, and U being particularly high. This pattern of diversity likely reflects the complex interactions of the Kazakhs with other Turkic groups, Mongolians, and indigenous Altaians. Overall, these data have important implications for Kazakh population history, the genetic prehistory of the Altai‐Sayan region, and the phylogeography of major mitochondrial lineages in Eurasia. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of methacrylamide grafted and dye‐ligand immobilized PET fibers: Studies of adsorption and purification of lysozyme
Authors: Karakisla Meral , Bayramoğlu Gülay , Arıca M. Yakup
Published: March 2008

In this study, novel affinity chromatographic fibers was prepared from methacrylamide grafted poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET‐g‐pMAA, using benzoylperoxide as an initiator. A dye ligand (i.e., Procion Brown) as a ligand was then covalently immobilized on the different amount of pMAAm grafted PET fibers, (PET‐g‐pMAAm‐PB). The fibers were characterized by surface area measurement, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adsorptive properties of the composite fibers were tested using a model protein (i.e., lysozyme). To achieve these purposes, the influence of pH, ionic strength, initial lysozyme concentration, and temperature on adsorption system has been investigated and evaluated. A maximum lysozyme adsorption PET‐g‐pMAAm‐PB fiber was obtained as 43.9 mg g−1 at pH 7.5. The experimental equilibrium data obtained for lysozyme adsorption onto PET‐g‐pMAAm‐PB fibers fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model. The result of kinetic analyzed for lysozyme adsorption onto affinity fibers showed that the second‐order rate equation was favorable. The purity of the eluted lysozyme, as determined by HPLC, was 84% with recovery 73% for PET‐g‐pMAAm‐PB fiber. Experiments on regeneration and dynamic adsorption were also performed. It appears that PET‐g‐pMAAm‐PB fibers can be applied for lysozyme separation without causing any denaturation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Architecture of rod–brush block copolymers synthesized by a combination of coordination polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Ishizu Koji , Hatoyama Naomasa , Uchida Satoshi
Published: March 2008

A combination of coordination polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was applied to a novel synthesis of rod–brush block copolymers. The procedure included the following steps: (1) the monoesterification reaction of ethylene glycol with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide (BIBB) yielded the bifunctional initiator monobromobutyryloxy ethylene glycol and (2) a trichlorocyclopentadienyl titanium (CpTiCl3; bifunctional initiator) catalyst was prepared from a mixture of CpTiCl3 and bifunctional initiator. The coordination polymerization of n‐butyl isocyanate initiated by such a catalyst provided a well‐defined macroinitiator, poly(n‐butyl isocyanate)–bromine (PBIC–Br). (3) The ATRP method of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate initiated by PBIC–Br provided rod [poly(n‐butyl isocyanate) (PBIC)]–coil [poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA)] block copolymers with a CuCl/CuCl2/2,2′‐bipyridyl catalyst. (4) The esterfication of PBIC‐block‐PHEMA with BIBB yielded a block‐type macroinitiator, and (5) ATRP of methyl methacrylate with a block‐type macroinitiator provided rod–brush block copolymers. We found from the solution properties that such rod–brush block copolymers formed nanostructured macromolecules in solution. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Controlled release of argatroban from PLA film—Effect of hydroxylesters as additives on enhancement of drug release
Authors: Mochizuki Akira , Niikawa Takuya , Omura Ikuo , Yamashita Shuuzo
Published: March 2008

The aim of this study was to develop a drug eluting stent that prevents vein restenosis. For this, we selected argatroban as the study drug and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as the matrix. To enhance the release of argatroban from PLA film, the addition of hydroxylesters (additives) was investigated. The additives investigated were diethyl tartrate (DET), diethyl malate (DEM), and triethyl citrate (TEC). Marked enhancement of drug release was observed in DET‐added film, while TEC‐ or DEM‐added film showed little enhancement. To clarify the effect of DET, the release profile based on the contents of the drug and DET in the film and the effect of alkyl chain length of tartrate were studied. Tartrates used were dimethyl, di‐i‐propyl, and di‐n‐butyl esters (DMT, DiPT, and DnBT, respectively), and the enhancement order was DMT ≅ DET ≫ DiPT ≅ DBT ≅ PLA alone. The reasons for enhancement were discussed from the viewpoint of drug release behavior, degradation of PLA, water uptake within the film, and SEM observations. It was concluded that enhancement of drug release was due to large amounts of water uptake within the film which resulted in the formation of open pores at its surface. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
The effects of noise disturbance from various recreational boating activities common to inland waters on the cardiac physiology of a freshwater fish, the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Graham Ashley L. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: March 2008

Recreational boating continues to grow in popularity, yet little is known about the effects of noise disturbance from boating on fish. Therefore, this study evaluated the organism‐level cardiovascular disturbance associated with different recreational boating activities using largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) as a model.

Cardiac output and its components (heart rate and stroke volume) were monitored in real time, allowing for the determination of the magnitude of disturbance and the time required for recovery. Fish responses to three noise disturbances (canoe paddling, trolling motor, and combustion engine (9.9 hp)) for 60 s were contrasted using a Latin squares design.

Exposure to each of the treatments resulted in an increase in cardiac output in all fish, associated with a dramatic increase in heart rate and a slight decrease in stroke volume. The level of change in cardiac output and its components increased in magnitude from the canoe treatment to the trolling motor treatment with the most extreme response being to that of the combustion engine treatment. Furthermore, time required for cardiovascular variables to recover varied across treatments with shortest periods for the canoe paddling disturbance (∼15 min), the longest periods for the combustion engine (∼40 min), and intermediate recovery periods for the trolling motor (∼25 min).

Collectively, these results demonstrate that fish experienced sublethal physiological disturbances in response to the noise propagated from recreational boating activities. This work contributes to a growing body of research that has revealed that boating activities can have a number of ecological and environmental consequences such that their use may not be compatible with aquatic protected areas. Future research should evaluate how free‐swimming fish in the wild respond to such stressors relative to frequency of exposure and proximity to noise as most research to date has occurred in the laboratory.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and chain conformation of β‐glucan isolated from Auricularia auricula‐judae
Authors: Ma Zhaocheng , Wang Jianguo , Zhang Lina
Published: March 2008

From Auricularia auricula‐judae, a water soluble β‐D‐glucan, named as AAG, was isolated by extraction with 70% ethanol/water solution. Its chemical structure was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), matrix‐assisted laser desorption /ionization (MALDI)‐time of flight (TOF), and 1D, 2D NMR. AAG was detected, for the first time, to be composed of a main chain of (1→4)‐linked D‐glucopyranosyl with glucopyranosyl side groups at O6. With the help of MALDI‐TOF‐MS, the sequence and the distribution of glucuronic acid were determined and the content of glucuronic acid is about 19%. Five fractions were prepared from the AAG sample in water by ultrasonic degradation method. Their molecular weight, size, and shape (chain conformation) were studied by dynamics light scattering (DLS), static laser light scattering (LLS), size exclusion chromatography combined LLS (SEC‐LLS) and viscometry in 0.1M NaCl aqueous solution at 25°C. The dependence of intrinsic viscosity ([η]) on Mw for this polysaccharide was established to be [η] = 1.22 ×10−3Mw1.00 (cm3 g−1) in the range of Mw from 3.40 × 104 to 2.88 × 105. The conformational parameters of the AAG polysaccharide were found to be 820 nm−1 for molar mass per unit contour length (ML), 12.3 nm for persistence length (q) and 2.1 for ρ (〈s2〉1/2/Rh). The results suggested that the polysaccharide exists as extended chains in 0.1M NaCl aqueous solution. The chemical structure of AAG containing glucuronic acid and side groups led to steric hindrance, resulting in the increased stiffness of the chains. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 614–622, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Reductive unfolding of serum albumins uncovered by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: David Catalina , Foley Sarah , Mavon Christophe , Enescu Mironel
Published: March 2008

The reductive unfolding of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) induced by dithiothreitol (DTT) is investigated using Raman spectroscopy. The resolution of the S‐S Raman band into both protein and oxidized DTT contributions provides a reliable basis for directly monitoring the S‐S bridge exchange reaction. The related changes in the protein secondary structure are identified by analyzing the protein amide I Raman band. For the reduction of one S‐S bridge of BSA, a mean Gibbs free energy of −7 kJ mol−1 is derived by studying the reaction equilibrium. The corresponding value for the HSA S‐S bridge reduction is −2 kJ mol−1. The reaction kinetics observed via the S‐S or amide I Raman bands are identical giving a reaction rate constant of (1.02 ± 0.11) M−1 s−1 for BSA. The contribution of the conformational Gibbs free energy to the overall Gibbs free energy of reaction is further estimated by combining experimental data with ab initio calculations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 623–634, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Quantification of power consumption and oxygen transfer characteristics of a stirred miniature bioreactor for predictive fermentation scale‐up
Authors: Gill N.K. , Appleton M. , Baganz F. , Lye G.J.
Published: March 2008

Miniature parallel bioreactors are becoming increasingly important as tools to facilitate rapid bioprocess design. Once the most promising strain and culture conditions have been identified a suitable scale‐up basis needs to be established in order that the cell growth rates and product yields achieved in small scale optimization studies are maintained at larger scales. Recently we have reported on the design of a miniature stirred bioreactor system capable of parallel operation [Gill et al. (2008); Biochem Eng J 39:164–176]. In order to enable the predictive scale‐up of miniature bioreactor results the current study describes a more detailed investigation of the bioreactor mixing and oxygen mass transfer characteristics and the creation of predictive engineering correlations useful for scale‐up studies. A Power number of 3.5 for the miniature turbine impeller was first established based on experimental ungassed power consumption measurements. The variation of the measured gassed to ungassed power ratio, Pg/Pug, was then shown to be adequately predicted by existing correlations proposed by Cui et al. [Cui et al. (1996); Chem Eng Sci 51:2631–2636] and Mockel et al. [Mockel et al. (1990); Acta Biotechnol 10:215–224]. A correlation relating the measured oxygen mass transfer coefficient, kLa, to the gassed power per unit volume and superficial gas velocity was also established for the miniature bioreactor. Based on these correlations a series of scale‐up studies at matched kLa (0.06–0.11 s−1) and Pg/V (657–2,960 W m−3) were performed for the batch growth of Escherichia coli TOP10 pQR239 using glycerol as a carbon source. Constant kLa was shown to be the most reliable basis for predictive scale‐up of miniature bioreactor results to conventional laboratory scale. This gave good agreement in both cell growth and oxygen utilization kinetics over the range of kLa values investigated. The work described here thus gives further insight into the performance of the miniature bioreactor design and will aid its use as a tool for rapid fermentation process development. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;100: 1144–1155. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A critical comparison of extant batch respirometric and substrate depletion assays for estimation of nitrification biokinetics
Authors: Chandran Kartik , Hu Zhiqiang , Smets Barth F.
Published: March 2008

Estimation of nitrification biokinetics has been conducted using different batch techniques viameasurement of nitrogen species or surrogates such as oxygen (respirometry). However, there are no reports that specifically compare kinetic parameters estimated from respirometry with those from direct nitrogen species measurements. In this study, we evaluated the ability of parameter estimates from isolated and optimally designed complete extant respirometric assays to describe concurrently obtained ammonia and nitrite depletion profiles. Additionally, we mapped the different parameter sets to steady‐state bioreactor performance. Using multivariate analysis of variance, we found that estimates from respirometric and substrate depletion assays were predominantly statistically different at the 95% confidence level. The sensitivity of predicted stead‐state nitrifying reactor performance to differences in parameter estimates was highest close to the limiting solids retention time (SRT). However, at characteristic nitrifying SRTs the predicted reactor performance using parameter estimates from respirometry and substrate depletion assays were in very close correspondence. Therefore, parameters estimated from extant respirometric assays can be used to adequately predict nitrifying reactor performance. Biotechnol. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;101: 62–72. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous and bidirectional transport of kinesin‐coated microspheres and dynein‐coated microspheres on polarity‐oriented microtubules
Authors: Yokokawa Ryuji , Tarhan Mehmet Cagatay , Kon Takahide , Fujita Hiroyuki
Published: March 2008

Artificial nanotransport systems inspired by intracellular transport processes have been investigated for over a decade using the motor protein kinesin and microtubules. However, only unidirectional cargo transport has been achieved for the purpose of nanotransport in a microfluidic system. Here, we demonstrate bidirectional nanotransport by integrating kinesin and dynein motor proteins. Our molecular system allows microtubule orientation of either polarity in a microfluidic channel to construct a transport track. Each motor protein acts as a nanoactuators that transports microspheres in opposite directions determined by the polarity of the oriented microtubules: kinesin‐coated microspheres move toward the plus end of microtubules, whereas dynein‐coated microspheres move toward the minus end. We demonstrate both unidirectional and bidirectional transport using kinesin‐ and dynein‐coated microspheres on microtubules oriented and glutaraldehyde‐immobilized in a microfluidic channel. Tracking and statistical analysis of microsphere movement demonstrate that 87–98% of microspheres move in the designated direction at a mean velocity of 0.22–0.28 µm/s for kinesin‐coated microspheres and 0.34–0.39 µm/s for dynein‐coated microspheres. This bidirectional nanotransport goes beyond conventional unidirectional transport to achieve more complex artificial nanotransport in vitro. Biotechnol. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;101: 1–8. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: Structure of (NH4)3GaF6 Investigated by Multinuclear Magic‐Angle Spinning NMR Spectroscopy in Comparison with Rietveld Refinement.
Authors: Krahl Thoralf , Ahrens Mike , Scholz Gudrun , Heidemann Detlef , Kemnitz Erhard
Published: March 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Self‐Supported Formation of Needlelike Co3O4 Nanotubes and Their Application as Lithium‐Ion Battery Electrodes.
Authors: Lou Xiong Wen , Deng Da , Lee Jim Yang , Feng Ji , Archer Lynden A.
Published: March 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Facile Preparation of α‐Amino Ketones from Oxidative Ring‐Opening of Aziridines by Pyridine N‐Oxide.
Authors: Luo Zhi‐Bin , Wu Jing‐Yu , Hou Xue‐Long , Dai Li‐Xin
Published: March 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.