bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripartum Haemodynamic Status of Bitches with Normal Birth or Dystocia
Authors: Lúcio CF , Silva LCG , Rodrigues JA , Veiga GAL , Vannucchi CI
Published: July 2009

Contents

There has been limited investigation of parturition in the bitch and there is little information published on clinical and obstetrical examination other than opinion and anecdote. While there are substantial data on haemodynamic and vascular changes during normal parturition in humans, little is known about the physiological events in the dog. This study was aimed at maternal haemodynamic changes occurring during normal parturition and to investigate how these were modified in bitches with dystocia (DYST) treated either medically or via assisted delivery and caesarean operation. Three groups of 10 bitches were investigated; those with normal parturition, those with DYST corrected by manipulative assistance or caesarean operation and those with uterine inertia treated by oxytocin administration. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, electrocardiogram and blood glucose concentration were measured pre‐partum, intra‐partum, immediately after parturition and 1 h later. Heart rate was high at all times throughout the study and the majority of bitches had normal sinus rhythm. Blood pressure was generally within the normal range, and although systolic and diastolic blood pressure was highest during the intra‐partum period and sometimes during the immediate post‐partum period, there were no significant differences between groups. All bitches had blood glucose concentrations within the normal range throughout the study although pre‐partum concentrations were statistically lower than many of the other time periods. The study provides useful physiological data that will facilitate monitoring and clinical management of bitches throughout normal parturition and DYST.
Acid–Base Changes in Canine Neonates Following Normal Birth or Dystocia
Authors: Lúcio CF , Silva LCG , Rodrigues JA , Veiga GAL , Vannucchi CI
Published: July 2009

Contents

There are limited data concerning blood gas parameters in neonatal dogs. Knowledge of the normal physiology may facilitate effective therapeutic intervention and potentially reduce neonatal mortality. This study examined acid–base parameters in pups born at normal parturition (n = 27) compared with those born after obstetrical assistance or caesarean operation (n = 13) and those born following oxytocin (OXY) administration for treatment of uterine inertia (n = 11). Pups were subjected to an objective scoring method of neonatal health adapted from use in humans (the Apgar score) at birth and again at 5 and 60 min after birth. Venous blood samples were collected at 5 and 60 min after birth for evaluation of blood gas parameters. At birth, all pups had low Apgar scores and a mixed acidosis. The base excess was lowest for pups delivered after OXY administration. The Apgar score improved for all pups after 5 min of birth and there was an improvement in carbon dioxide tension, base excess and venous blood pH at 1 h, although in all pups a metabolic acidosis persisted. These data provide an important insight into neonatal physiology and the variability of blood gas parameters in pups born at normal and abnormal parturition and provide the basis for clinical decision making following dystocia.
Review and Update: Genomic and Molecular Advances in Sex Determination and Differentiation in Small Animals
Authors: Meyers‐Wallen VN
Published: July 2009

Contents

Inherited disorders of sexual development are important to identify as a cause of inherited infertility or sterility in humans and animals. Investigation of these disorders in dogs and cats can identify new mutations, allowing us to eliminate inherited disorders from breeding populations, while contributing to the understanding of mammalian sexual development and differentiation. This review updates an overview of normal mammalian sexual development while discussing disorders of sexual development at three consecutive levels, as errors in sex chromosome constitution, gonadal sex determination or phenotypic sexual development. The molecular mechanisms controlling sexual development and current molecular methods to identify causative mutations are illustrated in three specific examples of abnormal sexual development reported in small animals: XX sex reversal, Persistent Mullerian Duct Syndrome and cryptorchidism. Identification of causative mutations and development of practical tests to identify carrier and affected animals will provide effective mechanisms to reduce the prevalence of these disorders in small animals.
Gonadectomy in Cats and Dogs: A Review of Risks and Benefits
Authors: Reichler IM
Published: July 2009

Contents

The necessity, and in particular the timing, of gonadectomy in dogs and cats is still controversial. This is mainly because gonadectomy confers a mixture of benefits and adverse effects that depend upon the age at neutering, sex, species and breed. In this paper, the long‐term risks and benefits of gonadectomy, at various ages, in dogs and cats are reviewed using data describing the effects of desexing on the urogenital tract and on other medical conditions, such as orthopaedic diseases, immune‐mediated diseases, tumour development and behaviour.
Prostatic Perfusion in the Dog Using Contrast‐Enhanced Doppler Ultrasound
Authors: Russo M , Vignoli M , Catone G , Rossi F , Attanasi G , England GCW
Published: July 2009

Contents

Ultrasonography has become the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of the prostate gland in the dog. Unfortunately, despite providing excellent images, it may be difficult to differentiate the common canine prostatic diseases with ultrasound because many have a similar ultrasonographic appearance. Real‐time contrast‐enhanced ultrasound was used to monitor and characterise the normal perfusion pattern and perfusion dynamics of the canine prostate gland when using a micro bubble contrast agent. In all contrast studies, the prostatic artery, entered the prostate gland on the dorso‐lateral surface then tunnelled into the prostatic capsule and branched into many small parenchymal arteries which were directed medially towards the urethra to supply the body of the prostate gland. The flow of the contrast medium into the prostatic parenchyma was visible after 15 s. During the wash‐in phase, there was an homogenous enhancement of the prostatic parenchyma. During the wash‐out phase, an homogenous decrease of the echogenicity was visible in all cases.
Cytokines, Growth Factors and Prostaglandin Synthesis in the Uterus of Pregnant and Non‐pregnant Bitches: The Features of Placental Sites
Authors: Beceriklisoy HB , Schäfer‐Somi S , Kücükaslan I , Agaoglu R , Gültiken N , Ay SS , Kaya D , Aslan S
Published: July 2009

Contents

Uterine tissue from pregnant bitches was investigated by qualitative RT‐PCR for the gene expression of local factors potentially important for the implantation of canine embryos. For this purpose, 10 bitches identified as being at the time of implantation or early placentation by means of ultrasonography before ovariohysterectomy (days 20–35, n = 10) provided tissues for comparison to tissue collected in a previous study and identified as early pregnant (n = 10) or non‐pregnant (n = 4) by embryo flushing after ovariohysterectomy (days 10–12 after mating;Schäfer‐Somi et al. 2008). Uterine tissue was excised from the middle of the left horn from early pregnant and non‐pregnant animals, including from interplacental and placentation sites. The following genes were investigated: CD‐4, ‐8; cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1, ‐2; granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF); hepatocyte growth factor (HGF); insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1, ‐2; transforming growth factor (TGF) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α; interferon (IFN)‐γ; interleukin (IL)‐1β, ‐2, ‐4, ‐6, ‐8, ‐10, ‐12; leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and leptin. Gene expression for CD‐8, COX‐1, TGF‐β, HGF, IGF‐1, IL‐2, ‐4,‐10, IFN‐γ and LIF were detected in the pre‐implantation uterus, and all except IL‐2 and ‐10 were still detectable during the implantation and placentation stage. During implantation, mRNA for IGF‐2 and GM‐CSF were additionally detected. The dioestrous uterus differed from the pregnant uterus because of the absence of CD‐8, IL‐4 and IFN‐γ and the expression of CD‐4, TNF‐α and IL‐6. The results suggest that IL‐4, IFN‐γ, CD‐8, GM‐CSF and IGF‐2 are regulated in a pregnancy‐specific manner and that GM‐CSF and IGF‐2 probably have growth supporting and immune modulating functions during implantation of the canine embryo.
Osteopontin in Seminal Plasma and Sperm Membrane of Dogs
Authors: Souza FF , Chirinéa VH , Martins MIM , Lopes MD
Published: July 2009

Contents

The objective of this work was to describe the presence of osteopontin (OPN) in canine seminal plasma and sperm membranes. A pool of seminal plasma and sperm membrane extract from 30 dogs was used. Polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels were performed and the bands were transferred to nitrocellulose paper and Western blot was undertaken using an antibody anti‐OPN. Two and 12 bands were marked in the seminal plasma (77.2 and 15.6 kDa) and sperm membrane extracts (70.6–26.6 kDa), respectively. However, from 12 marked bands in the sperm membrane extract, only three (46.4, 37.7 and 36.5 kDa) were strongly marked. We conclude that, seminal plasma and sperm membranes from dogs contain different isoforms of OPN; yet, further studies will be necessary to determine their function in this species.
Seasonal Changes in Testicular Cell Morphology in Domestic Male Cats (Felis catus)
Authors: Stornelli MA , Reyna JC , Stornelli MC , Nuñez Favre R , Savignone CA , Tittarelli CM , De La Sota RL
Published: July 2009

Contents

The aim of this study was to asses the variation in the morphology of the seminal epithelium in relation to natural photoperiod in male cats. Tom cats (n = 240) were castrated every other week throughout the year. Each testis was fixed in Bouin’s solution and cut into sections. The percentage of tubules with round spermatids (RS), elongated spermatids (ES), tailed spermatids (TS), mature spermatids (MS) and the number of Sertoli cells (SC) and Leydig cells (LC) were recorded in each sample. Testicles from males during short days (SHD) had a higher percentage of tubules with RS and ES compared to testicles from males during long days (LHD, 31.3 ± 0.6 vs 2.1 ± 0.6%, p < 0.001; 30.9 ± 0.7 vs 11.0 ± 0.7%, p < 0.001). Conversely, testicles from males during SHD had a lower percentage of tubules with TS and MS compared to testicles from males during LHD (24.5 ± 0.8 vs 29.7 ± 0.8%, p < 0.01; 13.1 ± 1.2 vs 57.0 ± 1.2%, p < 0.01). Furthermore, testicles from males during SHD had a higher number of SC and lower number of LC compared to testicles from males during LHD (11.4 ± 0.1 vs 8.0 ± 0.1%, p < 0.01; 19.2 ± 1.0 vs 38.0 ± 1.0%, p < 0.01). In conclusion, there are seasonal changes in testis cell morphology in the tom which may be related to seasonal sperm production.
Plasma Hormone Levels and Semen Quality in Male Cats during Non‐Breeding and Breeding Seasons
Authors: Tsutsui T , Onodera F , Oba H , Mizutani T , Hori T
Published: July 2009

Contents

Female cats are known to be seasonal breeders and male cats annual breeders. Despite this, there are limited data on the influence of breeding season (BS) on hormone concentration and semen quality in the male cat. This study compared plasma concentrations of LH and testosterone (T), and semen quality during the non‐breeding season (NBS) and BS in five male cats subject to natural hours of daylight but a constant environmental temperature. Plasma LH and T concentrations were higher during the BS in 2/35 and 3/5 cats, respectively, although when comparing both hormones combined, values were higher during the BS than the NBS in all cats (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the percentage of abnormal sperm between the cats. Overall, semen quality was superior during the BS with larger semen volume in 2/5, sperm motility in 2/5 and sperm viability in 3/5 cats. Although there was a clear seasonal effect on hormone secretion and semen quality, during the NBS all cats were likely to have been fertile.
Plasma LH, Ovulation and Conception Rates in Cats Mated Once or Three Times on Different Days of Oestrus
Authors: Tsutsui T , Higuchi C , Soeta M , Oba H , Mizutani T , Hori T
Published: July 2009

Contents

Although cats are induced ovulators, the relationship between the day of breeding, the number of matings and the likelihood of ovulation and conception have not been extensively investigated. In this experiment, cats were mated either once or three times on day 1 or day 5 of oestrus to study the incidence of the LH surge, ovulation and conception rates. The percentage ovulating and the conception rates after a single mating on day 1 of oestrus were 60% (6/10) and 33.3% (2/6), respectively, and for cats mated once on day 5 of oestrus were 83.3% (10/12) and 40% (4/10), respectively. When cats were mated three times on day 1 of oestrus, the ovulation rates and conception rates were 70% (7/10) and 85.7% (6/7), respectively, and for those mated three times on day 5 of oestrus were 100% (10/10) and 100% (10/10), respectively. The concentration of LH did not increase in non‐ovulating cats, and cats that were mated three times had LH concentrations that were numerically higher than those that were mated once. Litter size was neither related to the day of mating nor to the number of matings. Although an increase in the number of matings on day 1 of oestrus produced a numerically larger LH surge, it did not increase the ovulation rate, suggesting that plasma oestradiol concentrations were not sufficiently elevated to induce a high pituitary response to mating stimulation. The conception rate after a single mating was low, suggesting that the number of sperm per mating was not sufficient. These results suggest that mating more than once in the middle of oestrus is required to improve ovulation rates and conception rates in cats.
Detection of Lipid Peroxidation Reaction in Frozen‐Thawed Epididymal Cat Spermatozoa Using BODIPY581/591 C11
Authors: Thuwanut P , Axnér E , Johanisson A , Chatdarong K
Published: July 2009

Contents

Lipid peroxidation is considered to be an important cause of sperm membrane damage, resulting in an apparent reduction of reproductive fecundity. Recently, a new lipophilic fluorescent dye probe (BODIPY581/591 C11; Invitrogen Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore) has been demonstrated to be a highly sensitive indicator for the physiological oxidation of cell membrane fatty acids. The objectives of this study were: (i) to detect lipid peroxidation in frozen‐thawed epididymal cat spermatozoa using the BODIPY581/591 C11 and (ii) to study the effect of semen extender in protecting sperm membrane from lipid peroxidation [100‐mm ferrous ion, ferrous sulphate (FeSO4)]. Epididymal cat spermatozoa were collected from eight male cats. Two straws of sperm sample from each cat were cryopreserved. After thawing, the semen extender from the first straw was removed and the sperm pellet was resuspended with Tris buffer (control). The semen sample from the other straw was equally divided: one sample contained semen extender (treatment A) and one contained no extender (treatment B); both were incubated with FeSO4. Semen samples were labelled with the BODIPY581/591 C11 probe and evaluated by flow cytometry at 0 and 6 h after thawing (control), 6 h after the addition of FeSO4 (treatment A), and 30 min and 6 h after the addition of FeSO4 (treatment B), respectively. The percentage of lipid peroxidation was higher after treatment B (51.3 ± 23.9) and 6‐h incubation compared with the control and treatment A (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the percentage of lipid peroxidation after treatment B increased during the incubation time (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the high percentage of lipid peroxidation after treatment B indicated that FeSO4 induced membrane damage in cat spermatozoa, which could be detected by BODIPY581/591 C11. This marker is suggested to be a beneficial tool for the evaluation of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the use of semen extender seemed to protect cat spermatozoa membranes from lipid peroxidation.
Effect of Progesterone and Ionomycin on Domestic Cat Sperm Motility Patterns and Acrosome Reaction
Authors: Villaverde AISB , Fioratti EG , Landim‐Alvarenga FC , De Carvalho Balieiro JC , Melo CM , Papa FO , Lopes MD
Published: July 2009

Contents

This study was aimed at assessing the changes in sperm motion patterns and the percentage of acrosome reaction (AR) in domestic cat semen after treatment with either ionomycin or progesterone (P4). Ten ejaculates were collected from five tomcats using an artificial vagina, and were diluted, centrifuged and resuspended in a capacitation medium. Samples were evaluated and divided into seven equal aliquots and, after 2 h at 25°C, were incubated for 30 min at 38°C in 5% CO2 and then analyzed. Computer‐assisted sperm analysis and a combination of three fluorescent probes were used to assess sperm plasma, acrosomal membrane integrity and mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Thirty minutes after the start of incubation, P4 was added (10 μg/ml) to the P1 group. Groups P2 and P3 were supplemented with P4 (10 and 20 μg/ml, respectively) only after 2 h of incubation, and groups I1 and I2 were supplemented with ionomycin (4 and 8 μm, respectively) 2 h after incubation. Group E was supplemented with ethanol (0.6%) at 2 h after incubation and group C received no supplementation. Ionomycin and P4 treatments led to a hyperactivation‐like sperm motion and an increase (p < 0.05) in the percentage of AR. Although a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of AR was obtained in group I2 when compared with all P4 groups, a decrease (p < 0.05) in total and progressive motility was observed in I2 group. As I1 group was similar to I2 to induce AR without diminishing sperm motility, we can conclude that ionomycin at 4 μm seems to be more suitable to trigger AR in domestic cat sperm.
Electrophysiological evidence for attentional guidance by the contents of working memory
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Soto David , Humphreys Glyn W.
Published: July 2009

The deployment of visual attention can be strongly modulated by stimuli matching the contents of working memory (WM), even when WM contents are detrimental to performance and salient bottom‐up cues define the critical target [D.Sotoet al.(2006)Vision Research,46, 1010–1018]. Here we investigated the electrophysiological correlates of this early guidance of attention by WM in humans. Observers were presented with a prime to either identify or hold in memory. Subsequently, they had to search for a target line amongst different distractor lines. Each line was embedded within one of four objects and one of the distractor objects could match the stimulus held in WM. Behavioural data showed that performance was more strongly affected by the prime when it was held in memory than when it was merely identified. An electrophysiological measure of the efficiency of target selection (the N2pc) was also affected by the match between the item in WM and the location of the target in the search task. The N2pc was enhanced when the target fell in the same visual field as the re‐presented (invalid) prime, compared with when the prime did not reappear in the search display (on neutral trials) and when the prime was contralateral to the target. Merely identifying the prime produced no effect on the N2pc component. The evidence suggests that WM modulates competitive interactions between the items in the visual field to determine the efficiency of target selection.
Living‐donor renal transplantation of grafts with incidental renal masses after ex‐vivo partial nephrectomy
Authors: Sener Alp , Uberoi Vik , Bartlett Stephen T. , Kramer Andrew C. , Phelan Michael W.
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVES

To assess transplantation of high‐risk kidneys with incidental renal masses (found occasionally during the routine evaluation of a living kidney donor) into recipients with limited life‐expectancy on haemodialysis, as this offers a potential solution to the current organ deficit.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We detected five small (<2.3 cm), incidental, enhancing renal masses during donor evaluation. All patients had a standard metastatic evaluation. After laparoscopic donor nephrectomy a back‐table partial nephrectomy was performed and frozen‐section analysis was used to confirm both the diagnosis and negative surgical margins before transplantation.

RESULTS

Renal cell carcinoma was found in three of the five masses (one each cystic, clear cell and papillary; Fuhrman grades II, II and III, respectively) and the other two patients had angiomyolipoma. There were no long‐term complications in the transplanted kidneys. One patient developed delayed acute humoral rejection after transplantation and was treated appropriately. Both donor and recipient were followed with periodic imaging. At a median (range) last follow‐up of 15 (1–41) months, four patients were alive and one had died from complications after a fall. The cancer‐specific survival was 100%. There was no evidence of local recurrence in any patient at the last follow‐up.

CONCLUSION

Live donor kidneys with incidental small renal masses might be acceptable for transplantation in high‐risk recipients after careful back‐table partial nephrectomy.
Evaluation of semen variables, sperm chromosomal abnormalities and reproductive endocrine profile in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Safarinejad Mohammad Reza , Kolahi Ali Asghar , Iravani Shahrokh
Published: July 2009

Study Type – Aetiology (case series) Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate reproductive endocrine profile, sperm chromosomal abnormalities, and semen quality in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In all, 82 patients with chronic hepatitis C, aged 18–60 years, were recruited for the study; 76 age‐matched healthy male volunteers served as controls. All participants provided a medical history and had a complete physical examination and routine semen analysis. Two blood samples were drawn from each participant at 15‐min intervals to determine the resting levels of luteinizing‐hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, testosterone, oestradiol, and sex hormone‐binding globulin. The hypothalamus‐pituitary‐testis axis was assessed using the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) test. All participants also received an injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and serum testosterone was determined before the hCG injection and on the third day afterwards. Conventional karyotype analysis and triple‐colour fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosomes X, Y and 18 were conducted in all patients and controls.

RESULTS

The mean basal serum levels for LH, FSH, and testosterone in patients with hepatitis C was significantly lower than the mean for normal controls (P = 0.01). The injection of GnRH analogue did not yield significantly higher FSH and LH levels in the patients than in normal controls (P = 0.001). In patients with chronic hepatitis C, the mean total sperm count, motility and normal morphology was significantly lower than in controls (P = 0.001). There was a significantly greater frequency of disomy in men with chronic hepatitis C than controls for chromosomes 18, X, and Y (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with chronic hepatitis C are at risk of showing sperm chromosomal abnormalities, the incidence of which is higher in patients with more advanced disease. Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism is caused by the selective loss of pituitary gonadotrophin function. Further studies are needed to replicate our results.
Healthcare costs associated with prostate cancer: estimates from a population‐based study
Authors: Krahn Murray D. , Zagorski Brandon , Laporte Audrey , Alibhai Shabbir M.H. , Bremner Karen E. , Tomlinson George , Warde Padraig , Naglie Gary
Published: July 2009

Study Type – Health Economic (multiway sensitivity analyses) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the total healthcare costs and costs attributable to prostate cancer across all stages of disease, and to determine the predictors of those costs, as describing the cost of care for patients with prostate cancer is useful to understand the economic burden of illness, explore patterns of care, and provide reliable cost data for economic evaluations.

METHODS

We estimated direct medical costs for 42 484 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Ontario, Canada between 1995 and 2002 using linked administrative data. The observation time was divided into five phases: (I) before diagnosis (6 months before); (II) initial care (12 months after diagnosis); (III) continuing care; (IV) pre‐terminal care (from 18 to 6 months before death); and (V) terminal care (6 months before death). Attributable costs were estimated by comparing costs in cases to matched controls.

RESULTS

The total direct costs per 100 days (in $Canadian, 2004) were: Phase I $1297; II $3289; III $1495; IV $5629; and V $16 020. Prostate cancer‐attributable costs accounted for 72% of total costs in the 12‐month period after diagnosis (II, $2366), but <35% of total costs in phases III to V ($398, $1977 and $3140, respectively). An advanced stage at diagnosis, being older at diagnosis, and higher comorbidity were associated with increased costs.

CONCLUSION

Prostate cancer is associated with increased direct healthcare costs over the natural history of the disease. Costs are highest around two events, cancer diagnosis and cancer death. Future research should evaluate costs borne by private insurers and patients, evaluate the effects of patient and system variables on lifetime costs, and explore differences in end‐of‐life healthcare costs across countries.
Effects of combined valproic acid and the epidermal growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AEE788 on renal cell carcinoma cell lines in vitro
Authors: Juengel Eva , Engler Johanna , Mickuckyte Ausra , Jones Jon , Hudak Lukasz , Jonas Dietger , Blaheta Roman A.
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate adhesion and growth inhibiting effects of the multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AEE788 and the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Caki‐1 cells were treated with AEE788 and VPA, either alone or in combination, to investigate RCC cell adhesion to vascular endothelial cells or to immobilized extracellular matrix proteins. Tumour cell proliferation was examined by MTT dye reduction assay. Effects of drug treatment on cell signalling pathways were determined by Western blotting. The expression levels of integrin α and β subtypes were evaluated by flow cytometry (surface expression) and Western blotting (intracellular protein expression).

RESULTS

RCC cell treatment with AEE788 and VPA in combination resulted in a stronger inhibition of tumour cell proliferation than that caused by either drug alone. There were also additive effects of the combined treatment on tumour cell adhesion to endothelial cells and to immobilized laminin (but not to immobilized fibronectin and collagen). AEE788 alone or combined with VPA reduced Akt expression and histone H3 acetylation. Both compounds altered integrin α and β subtype expression, in particular α1, α3 and β4, and blocked integrin‐dependent integrin‐linked kinase and focal‐adhesion kinase (total and phosphorylated) signalling.

CONCLUSIONS

Both AEE788 and VPA profoundly block the interaction of RCC cells with endothelium and extracellular matrix and reduce tumour growth in vitro. Therefore, this combined regimen warrants further preclinical and possible clinical study for treating advanced RCC.
Multinational Firm Knowledge, Use of Expatriates, and Foreign Subsidiary Performance
Authors: Fang Yulin , Jiang Guo‐Liang Frank , Makino Shige , Beamish Paul W.
Published: July 2009

abstract

The impact of knowledge transfer on foreign subsidiary performance has been a major focus of research on knowledge management in multinational enterprises (MNEs). By integrating the knowledge‐based view and the expatriation literature, this study examines the relationship between a multinational firm's knowledge (i.e. marketing and technological knowledge), its use of expatriates, and the performance of its foreign subsidiaries. We conceptualize that expatriates play a contingent role in facilitating the transfer and redeployment of a parent firm's knowledge to its subsidiary, depending on the location specificity of the organizational knowledge being transferred and the time of transfer. Our analysis of 1660 foreign subsidiaries of Japanese firms over a 15‐year period indicates that the number of expatriates relative to the total number of subsidiary employees (1) strengthened the effect of a parent firm's technological knowledge (with low location specificity) on subsidiary performance in the short term, but (2) weakened the impact of the parent firm's marketing knowledge (with high location specificity) on subsidiary performance in the long term. We also found that the expatriates' influence on knowledge transfer eventually disappeared. The implications for knowledge transfer research and the expatriate management literature are discussed.
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Drivers of Corporate Social Performance: Evidence from Foreign and Domestic Firms in Mexico
Authors: Muller Alan , Kolk Ans
Published: July 2009

abstract

The literature on corporate social performance (CSP) is largely split between approaches that consider CSP to be extrinsically driven and those that consider it to be intrinsically driven. While the management literature has paid attention to drivers of both types, the relationship between the two remains largely unstudied, particularly in the international setting. Meanwhile, the international business (IB) literature has addressed the international dimension of CSP more directly, but focuses largely on extrinsic pressures. Our paper links the management and IB literatures by addressing intrinsic drivers (management commitment to ethics) in conjunction with extrinsic (trade‐related) drivers for both foreign‐ and domestically‐owned firms in a single‐market setting. Using survey data from 121 auto parts suppliers in Mexico, we find that management commitment to ethics is a dominant driver of CSP among both foreign and domestic firms. More importantly, management commitment to ethics interacts positively with trade‐related pressures in raising CSP levels.
Process Innovation Costs in Supply Networks: A Synthesis
Authors: Bunduchi Raluca , Smart Alison U.
Published: July 2009

This paper provides a synthesis of the literature on the costs incurred by organizations that develop, adopt and use inter‐organizational process innovations in supply networks. A review of the literature in this area suggests that innovation costs influence the pattern of adoption. There is, however, a lack of consensus about what these innovation costs entail. Based on a review of innovation literature in the area of information systems, this paper develops an integrative framework of inter‐organizational process innovation costs. The framework identifies six broad categories of costs (both tangible and intangible) that map onto different stages of organizational innovation: development and initiation costs associated with the generation of an innovation; switching costs and the cost of capital associated with the acceptance stage; and implementation and relational costs associated with implementation. The framework serves not only to organize the existing literature but also to provide the impetus for future research into the role that different categories of costs play in shaping inter‐organizational process innovation in supply networks.
Clinical outcomes of corneal wavefront customized ablation strategies with SCHWIND CAM in LASIK treatments
Authors: Arbelaez Maria Clara , Vidal Camila , Arba‐Mosquera Samuel
Published: July 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of aspheric corneal wavefront (CW) ablation profiles in LASIK treatments.

Methods: Thirty eyes treated with CW ablation profiles were included after a follow‐up of 6 months. In all cases, standard examinations including preoperative and postoperative wavefront analysis with a CW topographer (Optikon Keratron Scout) were performed. Custom Ablation Manager (CAM) software was used to plan corneal wavefront customized aspheric treatments, and the ESIRIS flying spot excimer laser system was used to perform the ablations (both SCHWIND eye‐tech‐solutions, Kleinhostheim, Germany). Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of predictability, refractive outcome, safety, and wavefront aberration.

Results: In general, the postoperative uncorrected visual acuity and the best corrected visual acuity improved (p < 0.001). In particular, the trefoil, coma, and spherical aberrations, as well as the total root‐mean‐square values of higher order aberrations, were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) when the pre‐existing aberrations were greater than the repeatability and the biological noise.

Conclusions: The study results indicate that the aspheric corneal wavefront customized CAM approach for planning ablation volumes yields visual, optical, and refractive results comparable to those of other wavefront‐guided customized techniques for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. The CW customized approach shows its strength in cases where abnormal optical systems are expected. Apart from the risk of additional ablation of corneal tissue, systematic wavefront‐customized corneal ablation can be considered as a safe and beneficial method.
Modeling the effect of facial topographies upon the visual field of humans and primates
Authors: Glittenberg C. , Schubert C. , Meisel D. , Viola B. , Binder S. , Ahnelt P. K.
Published: July 2009

Purpose:  To establish a virtual device that can predict the effect of facial features on the visual field of humans and primates.

Methods:  Virtual masks were obtained from human subjects, and macaque, chimpanzee and baboon taxidermic specimens, and aligned with upright head orientation at the center of a virtual perimeter‐like dome (radius = 50 m) developed with Cinema 4D. Virtual searchlights positioned at the masks’ pupils were then allowed to ‘paint’ facial elements obstructing their path, and demarcate the unobstructed rays at the perimetric surface and on a virtual ground floor related to eye level. Searchlight positions along the human mask’s pupillary axis were identified by maximum congruence to Goldmann visual field limits.

Results:  The human contours largely concur with large‐stimulus isopters displaying the limiting role of the nasal ridge, and the relatively extended ventral and temporal limits. In contrast, the facial design of chimpanzees and baboons obstructs significant portions of the ventral foreground (>2 m cf < 0.5 m in human), while there appear to be larger binocular overlaps (125° in chimp cf 90° in human).

Conclusions:  The model provides information on anatomical constraints for monocular and binocular visual field extensions including projection of the ventral field on a virtual floor.
First in Human Validation of Impedance‐Based Catheter Tip‐to‐Tissue Contact Assessment in the Left Atrium
Authors: PIORKOWSKI CHRISTOPHER , SIH HARIS , SOMMER PHILIPP , MILLER STEPHAN P. , GASPAR THOMAS , TEPLITSKY LIANE , HINDRICKS GERHARD
Published: July 2009

Background: In this study, a new method of contact assessment based on the measurement of the local electrical properties at the catheter tip‐to‐tissue interface was validated in a blinded fashion in vivo in the human left atrium.

Methods: Using a 3‐terminal circuit model, local resistance and reactance between catheter tip and tissue surface were measured and combined in an electrical coupling index (ECI). Twelve patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation were included in this study. The catheter was placed in the left atrium at various levels of contact. Blinded to the physician, measurements of electrogram amplitudes, pacing thresholds, and impedances at the catheter tip‐to‐tissue interface were performed.

Results: As the catheter went from noncontact to contact, ECI increased from 118 ± 15 to 145 ± 24 (P < 0.0001), electrogram amplitudes increased from 0.14 ± 0.16 to 2.0 ± 1.9 mV (P < 0.0001), and pacing thresholds decreased from 13.9 ± 3.1 to 3.1 ± 2.0 mA (P < 0.0001). ECI was significantly higher in vascular tissue as compared with trabeculated and smooth myocardium. Patch orientation, operator, body mass index, or clinical type of AF had no influence on ECI values. On a patient‐by‐patient analysis, true contact/noncontact locations showed a mean ECI difference of 32.7 ± 11.6 units (95% CI 25.8–39.6). A cut‐off value of 5 ECI units was able to separate contact from noncontact with 97% sensitivity and 95% specificity.

Conclusion: Measurement of local impedances between catheter tip and tissue is feasible to reproducibly describe electrical catheter contact within the left atrium in a clinical setting of AF catheter ablation.
Comparative study of gene expression during tooth eruption and orthodontic tooth movement in mice
Authors: Huang XF , Zhao YB , Zhang FM , Han PY
Published: July 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand tooth eruption by comparing the gene expression during tooth eruption and orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).

Materials and methods: Orthodontic force was applied on maxillary molars for 2, 4, 7 and 14 days to study tooth movement. Mice at PN 0, 7, 10, 15 and 21 were fixed to observe tooth eruption. Comparative study of two procedures was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining andin situhybridization for matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp)2,13, bone sialoprotein (Bsp) and osteocalcin (Ocn).

Results: Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase activity and expression ofMmp2,13were obviously detectable in the compression region during OTM. They were also identified in the occlusal and apical region of alveolar bone during tooth eruption. Strong expression ofBspandOcnwas detectable at the tension side during OTM. These genes were also expressed in the inner lateral region of alveolar bone adjacent to the tooth, but absent in the inner surface of the occlusal and root apical regions during tooth eruption.

Conclusion: The process of alveolar bone metabolism during developmental eruption and OTM shares the same mechanism. Internal force, as the orthodontic force for OTM, may be initiating factor for tooth eruption.
Complications of local anaesthesia. An observational study
Authors: Brand HS , Bekker W , Baart JA
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  Objectives:  Local anaesthesia is increasingly used by dental hygienists. As little is known about the incidence of adverse effects during and after the administration of local anaesthetics, we evaluated side‐effects associated with local anaesthesia.

Methods:  A prospective observational study was conducted using standard criteria among a group of 103 patients receiving mandibular block anaesthesia.

Results:  Physical reactions like clenching fists (14.5%), moaning (12.6%) and turning pale (7.8%) were frequently observed. Patients (3.8%) showed a painful reaction because of needle contact with a nerve or the periosteum. Systemic complications were not observed. After the injection, 41.7% said they felt tense during the administration; 4.9% of the patients reported swallowing problems and 3.9% a tachycardia.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that administration of local anaesthesia has a small risk of adverse events. Complications, if they occur, seem minor and transient in nature.
Three centuries of fire in montane pine‐oak stands on a temperate forest landscape
Authors: Aldrich Serena R. , Lafon Charles W. , Grissino‐Mayer Henri D. , DeWeese Georgina G. , Hoss Jennifer A.
Published: July 2009

Question:What was the role of fire in montane pine‐oak (Pinus‐Quercus) stands under changing human land uses on a temperate forest landscape in eastern North America?

Location:Mill Mountain in the central Appalachian Mountains, Virginia, US.

Methods:A dendroecological reconstruction of fire history was generated for four stands dominated by xerophytic pine and oak species. The fire chronology began under presettlement conditions following aboriginal depopulation. Subsequent land uses included European settlement, iron mining, logging, and US Forest Service acquisition and fire protection.

Results:Fires occurred approximately every 5 years until 1930 without any evidence of a temporal trend in fire frequency. Burning ceased after 1930. Area‐wide fires affecting multiple pine stands were common, occurring at intervals of approximately 16 years. Most living pines became established during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Dead pines indicated that an older cohort established ca. 1730. Most hardwoods were established between the 1920s and 1940s.

Conclusions:Except for fire protection, changes in land use had no discernible influence on fire frequency. Lightning ignitions and/or large fire extent may have been important for maintaining frequent burning in the 1700s, while fuel recovery may have constrained fire frequency during later periods. The disturbance regime appears to be characterized by frequent surface fires and occasional severe fires, insect outbreaks or other disturbances followed by pine recruitment episodes. Industrial disturbances appear to have had little influence on the pine stands. The greatest impact of industrial society is fire exclusion, which permitted hardwood establishment.
Male‐specific expression of Sox9 during gonad development of crocodile and mouse is mediated by alternative splicing of its proline‐glutamine‐alanine rich domain
Authors: Agrawal Raman , Wessely Oliver , Anand Amit , Singh Lalji , Aggarwal Ramesh K.
Published: July 2009

The initial trigger for sexual differentiation is regulated by multiple ways during embryonic development. In vertebrates, chromosome‐based mechanisms generally known as genetic sex determination are prevalent; however, some species, such as many reptilians, display temperature‐dependent sex determination. The Sry‐related transcription factor, Sox9, which is expressed by an evolutionary conserved gene, has been shown to be a key player in the process of sex determination. In the present study, we report the identification and expression of crocodile homolog of Sox9 (cpSox9) from the Indian Mugger, Crocodylus palustris. We show that cpSox9 undergoes extensive alternative splicing around the proline‐glutamine‐alanine rich transactivation domain that results in cpSox9 variants with presumably impaired or reduced transactivation potential. The multiple isoforms were also detected in various embryonic tissues, with some of them displaying a differential expression profile. With respect to sex differentiation, a putative unspliced full‐length cpSox9 could be detected only in the genital ridge–adrenal–mesonephros complex of male, but not female embryos during the temperature‐sensitive period. Importantly, we further show that this phenomenon was not restricted to the temperature‐dependent sex determination species C. palustris, but was also observed in the mouse, a species exhibiting genetic sex determination. Thus, the present study describes, for the first time, a complete coding locus of Sox9 homolog from a temperature‐dependent sex determination species. More importantly, we demonstrate an evolutionarily conserved role of alternative splicing resulting in transcriptional diversity and male‐sex specific expression of Sox9 during testis development in vertebrates (i.e. irrespective of their underlying sex‐determination mechanisms).
Children with High‐Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders and Co‐occurring Anxiety Symptoms: Implications for Assessment and Treatment
Authors: Reaven Judith A.
Published: July 2009

PURPOSE.  The purpose of this article is to provide guidance and recommendations for children with high‐functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and anxiety, including suggestions for assessment and intervention.

CONCLUSIONS.  Children with ASD are at increased risk for developing clinical anxiety symptoms. Anxiety symptoms can impact school performance, peer relationships, and family functioning. Emerging clinical research has demonstrated the potential positive impact of modified cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety symptoms in children with ASD.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Modifications necessary to make cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocols accessible to children with ASD are presented, along with specific suggestions for evaluating and treating anxiety symptoms.
Defining Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Phetrasuwan Supapak , Miles Margaret Shandor , Mesibov Gary B. , Robinson Cordelia
Published: July 2009

Supapak Phetrasuwan, Margaret Shandor Miles, and Gary B. Mesibov
 
Column Editor: Cordelia Robinson
Long‐term seasonal fluctuations of lepidopteran cereal stemborers and their natural enemies on maize and wild host plants in southern Benin
Authors: Gounou Saka , Jiang Nanqing , Schulthess Fritz
Published: July 2009

Abstract  The seasonal fluctuation of lepidopteran cereal stemborers on maize and wild host plants (i.e., grasses and a few sedges) was investigated in southern Benin from 1988 to 1998 by time series analysis and repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). In addition, a walk‐in light trap was used to study the flight behavior of adult moths. On both cereals and grasses, the noctuid Sesamia calamistis was the predominant species, followed by the pyralid Eldana saccharina. The noctuid Busseola fusca was rare on both maize and wild host plants. In general, pest populations increased during the course of the year to reach peak densities during the second short rainy season, and then crashed to close to zero during the dry season. On wild host plants, egg masses and other immature stages were collected throughout the year but they were higher on wild grasses than maize during the off‐season. Thus wild host plants can be considered as refuge for both borers and natural enemies during the off‐season, when maize is not available. However, only four out of the eleven wild host species played a discernable role. S. calamistis egg densities appeared to be influenced by density‐dependent factors, suggesting an effect of natural enemies. Temperature and rainfall had a negative effect on egg abundance. Larval parasitism by a Kenyan strain of the braconid Cotesia sesamiae, which was released in southern Benin in the early 1990s, and by the tachinid Sturmiopsis parasitica varied between seasons and years but there were no discernable patterns. For both parasitoids and borer host species, parasitism was positively correlated with trap catches of adult moths. The recovery of C. sesamiae during a 2‐year period suggests that the parasitoid has established its population in southern Benin.