bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclospora spp. in herbs and water samples collected from markets and farms in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Tram Nguyen Thuy , Hoang Linda M. N. , Cam Phung Dac , Chung Phan Thu , Fyfe Murray W. , Isaac‐Renton Judith L. , Ong Corinne S. L.
Published: October 2008

Objective  To determine the prevalence of Cyclospora spp. oocysts in herb and water samples as well as in fecal specimens of clinical cases of diarrhoea in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Method  From November 2004 to October 2005, water and herb samples collected from markets and farms in Hanoi were examined for the presence of Cyclospora spp. oocysts in concentrated sediments and washings using UV epifluorescence examination of a wet mount. In addition, hospital based surveillance studies were carried out using a structured questionnaire which focused on potential risk factors for cyclosporiasis. Stool specimens were collected from individuals with diarrhoea attending primary healthcare facilities and examined for Cyclospora spp. oocysts by modified acid fast smear and wet mount examination using both light and UV epifluorescence microscopy.

Results  Cyclospora spp. were found in 34/288 (11.8%) market water and herb samples, and in 24/287 (8.4%) farm samples. All varieties of herbs sold at the market and grown in farms were contaminated with Cyclospora spp. oocysts. A marked seasonal increase in Cyclospora spp. contamination was observed before the rainy season (39/288) from November to April compared to the rainy season (19/268) from May to October (χ2 = 7.593, P = 0.006). However, Cyclospora spp. was not found in any stool samples collected in hospital‐based surveillance studies.

Conclusions  These results confirm the presence of Cyclospora spp. which varies seasonally in environmental samples (water and herbs collected from farms and markets) within the Hanoi metropolitan area.
Allotyping human complement factor B in Asian Indian type 1 diabetic patients
Authors: Kumar N. , Kaur G. , Tandon N. , Mehra N. K.
Published: October 2008

Human complement factor B (BF) is an essential component of the alternate complement pathway and therefore important in innate immune and autoimmune responses. The BF gene is located in the central region of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and is known to encode more than 30 protein variants that can be resolved by isoelectric focusing and gel electrophoresis. There are three BF alleles – BF*S, BF*FB and BF*FA – that differ in codon 7 at nucleotide positions 94 and 95. These alleles have CGG, TGG or CAG triplets at their codon 7, respectively, that code for Arg, Trp or Gln residues. We have developed a novel polymerase chain reaction using sequence‐specific primers‐based allotyping assay that can identify nucleotide substitutions in codon 7 in all the three BF alleles. The assay was validated by sequencing and amplified fragment length polymorphism. Using this SSP assay, we report the BF alleles located on the multiple human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR3 haplotypes that are unique in the Indian population and are associated with autoimmunity. The common type 1 diabetes (T1D)‐favoring Caucasian haplotype HLA‐A1‐B8‐DR3 (ancestral haplotype AH8.1) carries BF*S. However, in the North Indian T1D patients, the most common haplotype is HLA‐A26‐B8‐DR3 (AH8.2) and this carried BF*FB. Because of its association with AH8.2, the BF*FB was overrepresented in the patients (51.03%) compared with healthy controls (32.7%, OR  = 2.148, 95% CI  = 1.34–3.44, P = 0.002). Similar studies on allotyping BF alleles in different haplotypes in various populations could have important implications in understanding mechanisms of MHC haplotypic diversifications and disease associations and designing future therapeutic approaches.
HLA‐B*5530, a new allele was identified by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Yan L.‐X. , Zhu F.‐M. , Zhang W. , He J.
Published: October 2008

We report the novel HLA‐B*5530 allele, which was identified by polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐based typing.
Evolution of PTLD following renal transplantation in a child
Authors: Markert Eva , Siebolts Udo , Habbig Sandra , Odenthal Margarete , Dienes Hans Peter , Stippel Dirk L. , Hoppe Bernd , Wickenhauser Claudia
Published: October 2008

Abstract:  We report the case of an eight‐yr‐old child with early onset PTLD half a year after renal transplantation. The patient developed gastrointestinal pain and bowel biopsies revealed imposing lymphoid infiltrates with small spots of lymphoid blasts in the colonic mucosa. These findings were interpreted as transplantation associated B‐cell stimulation. However, the persistent severe abdominal pain led to the resection of a jejunal segment. Here, gut wall perforation caused by a tumor mass was seen. Histologically, a blastic lymphoid cell proliferation of B‐cell origin with high proliferation rate and EBV association could be demonstrated. IgH rearrangement analysis and in situ hybridization revealed an oligoclonal B‐cell pattern. Reduction of immunosuppression and treatment with rituximab led to lymphoma remission and conversion of EBV serology four wk later. The report presented herein demonstrates the evolution of an oligoclonal lymphoproliferation with direct disease progression towards EBV associated PTLD by analyzing different stages of the disease.
Success of a steroid‐minimization immunosuppression protocol for renal transplantation in the presence of donor‐specific antibodies
Authors: Butani Lavjay , Perez Richard V. , Gallay Brian J.
Published: October 2008

Abstract:  Steroid‐minimization regimens have gained tremendous popularity for renal Tx in the recent past since they are associated with lower metabolic complications and other adverse effects related to long‐term steroid exposure. Most such protocols have been restricted to low‐risk recipients due to the concern for acute rejection with steroid‐minimization. Herein, we report our experience in managing a child who received a positive flow cytometry cross‐match living donor kidney transplant with low titer DSA and was successfully managed using a steroid‐minimization drug regimen. The purpose of our report is to make pediatric transplant care providers aware of the feasibility of using a steroid‐minimization immunosuppression regimen even in children who have traditionally been perceived to be at higher risk for immunologic complications, allowing successful avoidance of steroid toxicity.
Psychological profile of adolescents with a kidney transplant
Authors: Berney‐Martinet Sylvie , Key Fiona , Bell Lorraine , Lépine Suzanne , Clermont Marie‐José , Fombonne Eric
Published: October 2008

Abstract:  To describe the psychological profile of renal transplant adolescents compared to healthy peers and to adolescents with CKD, three groups of adolescents aged 12–18 yr were selected: TX, CX, and adolescents with CKD. Psychiatric symptoms and disorders were evaluated through direct interviews (K‐SADS‐PL) and self‐report questionnaires (YSR and CBCL). Forty TX (14 LRD and 26 DD transplant recipients), 40 CX and 20 CKD were included. Twelve of 40 (30%) TX, three of 20 (15%) CKD, and three of 40 (7.5%) CX had a history of learning difficulties (p = 0.03). Compared to CX, TX had lower total YSR competencies score (p = 0.028) and lower total CBCL competencies score (p = 0.003). Twenty‐six of 40 (65%) TX, 12 of 20 (60%) CKD and 15 of 40 (37.5%) CX (p = 0.038) met DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria for lifetime psychiatric disorder, with rates of depressive disorder of 35% among TX and CKD compared to 15.2% among CX (p = 0.043). Eight of 40 (20%) TX had a history of simple phobia. Nine of 40 (22.5%) TX met diagnostic criteria for ADHD as compared to one of 20 (5%) CKD and three of 40 (7.5%) CX. In the TX group, we found no significant differences in educational and psychiatric variables between LRD and DD. In conclusion, we found a high prevalence of psychiatric morbidity (depression, phobia, ADHD), educational impairment and social competence problems in the TX group. CKD scored in between TX and CX on most measures.
Cardiac and pulmonary late effects do not negatively influence performance status and non‐relapse mortality of children surviving five yr after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation: Report from the EBMT Paediatric Diseases and Late Effects Working Parties
Authors: Uderzo Cornelio , Pillon Marta , Tridello Gloria , Dini Giorgio , Urban Christian , Corti Paola , Zintl Felix , Fagioli Franca , Messina Chiara , Verdeguer Amparo , Faraci Maura , Fedeli Sara , Tana Francesco , Tichelli André , Passweg Jakob , Rovelli Attilio
Published: October 2008

Abstract:  The current prospective study dealt with clinical outcome associated with pulmonary and cardiac late effects of AuHCT in children with malignancies. We prospectively evaluated 58 children, utilizing pulmonary function tests and cardiac shortening fraction, performed in pre‐AuHCT phase and then annually. The overall five‐yr survival was 68%. The five‐yr cumulative incidence of lung and cardiac function impairment in survivors was 21% in both cases. None of the patients presented with restrictive or obstructive pulmonary pathology at the last follow‐up and performance status for all survivors, ranged from 90% to 100%. The cumulative incidence of non‐relapse mortality was 12.6% (range 6.3–25.3%), whereas relapse mortality was 19.7% (range 11.6–33.5). In conclusion, our study shows no significant deterioration in post‐AuHCT pulmonary and cardiac function and in particular, no negative impact of lung and heart late effects on performance status and non‐relapse mortality.
A technique of diamond‐shape venoplasty to reconstruct the hepatic venous outflow in living donor liver transplantation for a case of Budd‐Chiari syndrome
Authors: Liu Chinsu , Hsia Cheng‐Yuan , Loong Che‐Chuan , Perng Cheng‐Kang , Huang Chen‐Hsung , Tsai Hsin‐Lin , Tsou Mei‐Yung , Wei Choufu
Published: October 2008

Abstract:  It is difficult to reconstruct the hepatic venous outflow in LDLT for the case of BCS, especially when the thrombosis extends to the retro‐hepatic and supra‐hepatic vena cava. We reported on a technique of diamond‐shape venoplasty which successfully treated such a case. The venoplasty used autologous vein grafts to overcome the size discrepancy between the orifices of supra‐diaphragmatic inferior vena cava and hepatic vein of the liver graft.
Blood conservation strategies in major orthopaedic surgery: efficacy, safety and European regulations
Authors: Muñoz M. , García‐Erce J. A. , Villar I. , Thomas D.
Published: October 2008

Several major orthopaedic surgical procedures may result in significant blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT). However, overall concerns about adverse effects of ABT have prompted the review of transfusion practice and the search for transfusion alternatives to decrease or avoid the use of ABT. These strategies include the correction of perioperative anaemia, pharmacological and non‐pharmacologic measures to reduce blood loss, preoperative autologous blood donation and perioperative red blood cell salvage. We have reviewed the efficacy and safety of these strategies and where appropriate offer evidence‐based recommendations on their use in orthopaedic surgery. We also reviewed the European regulations on ABT alternatives. Pharmacological alternatives need to be used with a total adherence to European regulations in their legal and off‐label use. The administration and use of pharmacological agents to stimulate erythropoiesis or reduce blood loss needs to be within the context of attempting to use allogenic blood in a rational manner. As for autologous blood, European Directives cover preoperative autologous blood donation, but not its clinical use, and perioperative red blood cell salvage devices, but not the product yielded by them. Therefore, the development of quality standards and good practice guidelines for perioperative red blood cell salvage, as well as its inclusion in the haemovigilance programme, is urgently needed. Finally, it is noteworthy that some recommendations given for ABT alternatives are not supported by a high level of evidence and that the goal of performing major orthopaedic surgical procedures without the use of ABT may be better accomplished by combining several of these techniques within a defined algorithm.
No easy solution for the fractionation of faecal nitrogen in captive wild herbivores: results of a pilot study
Authors: Schwarm A. , Schweigert M. , Ortmann S. , Hummel J. , Janssens G. P. J. , Streich W. J. , Clauss M.
Published: October 2008

Faecal nitrogen (FN) concentration is used as a marker for habitat quality and digestive efficiency in free‐ranging herbivores. In herbivores, FN can be separated into undigested plant N (analysed as the N concentration of the neutral detergent residue) and metabolic faecal N (MFN). It has been suggested that by differential analysis of the faecal fibre‐bound N, the MFN fraction can be further split into a bacterial N and an endogenous N fraction [Hesta et al., Br. J. Nutr. 90 (2003) 1007]. We applied these methods to 96 faecal samples of 48 mammalian herbivore species from zoos. Species were grouped into coprophageous and non‐coprophageous hindgut fermenters and ruminating and non‐ruminating foregut fermenters. Diet was not controlled. The FN decreased with body mass, possibly reflecting higher proportions of concentrates in diets of smaller animals. The proportion of MFN increased with FN, indicating that higher quality food might enhance the gastrointestinal bacterial flora. The only outlier to this pattern was the lesser panda (Ailurus fulgens), confirming the low relevance of fermentative digestion in this herbivorous ‘carnivore’. No relevant differences between the four digestion types were noted. The proportion of endogenous faecal N (32–80% of FN) was always higher than that of bacterial faecal N (7–30%), which contradicts basal understanding of herbivore digestive physiology. Thus, the method of Hesta et al. (2003) does not appear applicable to herbivores. While the results do not exclude the possibility that detailed differences might occur between digestion types, they indicate a high degree of similarity between herbivores that rely on bacterial fermentation, regardless of their digestion type, with respect to metabolic faecal losses.
Identification of a SCAR marker linked to a recessive male sterile gene (Tems) and its application in breeding of marigold (Tagetes erecta)
Authors: He Y. H. , Ning G. G. , Sun Y. L. , Qi Y. C. , Bao M. Z.
Published: October 2008

In marigold, an F2 segregation population of 167 plants was constructed from a cross of a line (M525A) carrying the male sterility trait × an inbred line (f53f). In line M525A, the male sterility trait was controlled by the recessive gene, Tems. The intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) and sequence‐related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) techniques combined with bulked segregant analysis were used to develop markers linked to the trait. From a survey of the 38 ISSR primers and 170 SRAP primer combinations, only one SRAP marker that was closely linked to the target trait was identified and successfully converted into sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker that was located within 2.4 cM from Tems locus. The marker was validated with five other two‐type lines and in each case the male fertile plants were reliably identified. This SCAR marker therefore permits the efficient marker‐assisted selection of male sterile individuals in breeding programmes of marigold and will greatly facilitate the breeding of F1 cultivars.
A Study of Endometritis Causing Repeat Breeding of Cycling Iraqi Buffalo Cows
Authors: Azawi OI , Omran SN , Hadad JJ
Published: October 2008

Contents

The objectives of this study were to determine the non‐specific aerobic and anaerobic bacterial causes of endometritis causing repeat breeding of cycling Iraqi buffalo cows at Nineveh province, validate diagnostic criteria for endometritis and to evaluate the treatment efficiency of using systemic or intra‐uterine infusion of antibiotics for the treatment of endometritis. Data were collected from 60 buffalo cows with history of repeat breeding in different herds. All buffaloes were subjected to detailed clinical examination including external inspection, vaginoscopy and transrectal palpation of the cervix, uterus and ovaries. Swabs for bacteriology and biopsies for histopathology were collected from the uterine lumen from each cow. Character, odour and estimation of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) of the vaginal mucus were scored. Blood samples were collected from cows for creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) measurement. Treatment conducted using oxytetracycline with tylosin in local intrauterine infusion or systemically with hormonal treatment. The most pre‐disposing factor for uterine infection was retained placenta (13.3%). The most prevalent bacteria in uterine lumen were E. coli (23%), Archanobacterium pyogenes (13%) and Staphylococcus aureus (10%) were mostly isolated from buffaloes with repeat breeding. Vaginal mucus character score was associated with the bacterial growth density score. The difference in PMN was highly significant (p < 0.01) in animals with repeat breeding than control groups. In addition, PMNs was significantly (p < 0.01) correlated r = 0.894 with the character of vaginal discharge. High level of PMNs observed in buffaloes infected with A. pyogenes. Buffalo cows with endometritis had higher CK (321.47 ± 39.06 vs 162.01 ± 16.41 U/l) and AST (133.93 ± 12.43 vs 97.01 ± 6.86 U/l) activities (p < 0.05) than control‐heifers, but no significant difference was observed between buffalo cows with endometritis in CK (321.47 ± 39.06 vs 208.33 ± 5.84) and AST (133.93 ± 12.43 vs 156.17 ± 9.65) activities than control‐pluriparious. It could be concluded that A. pyogenes was the only non‐specific uterine pathogen directly associated with severe endometrial lesions. Vaginoscopy examination combined with palpation of uterus increase the accuracy of diagnosing endometritis and cytogenic examination of uterine discharge is more reliable method of establishing the presence or absence of uterine inflammation in buffalo cows. Animals with repeat breeding (endometritis) showed clinical cure and improved pregnancy in all treatment groups with no significant difference. The use of oestradiol in repeat breeder cases has no effect in improving neither clinical cure rate nor pregnancy rate.
Expression of Occludin in Testis and Epididymis of Wild Rabbits, Lepus sinensis coreanus
Authors: Yoon SI , Park CJ , Nah WH , Gye MC
Published: October 2008

Contents

Tight junctions (TJs) in inter‐Sertoli junctional areas and epididymal epithelia build up the blood–testis barrier (BTB) and the blood–epididymal barrier (BEB), respectively. In this study, the expression of occludin, an integral member of the TJs, was examined in testis and different regions of epididymis of Lepus sinensis coreanus, an Korean wild rabbit species. In testis, intense occludin immunoreactivity was found in the basally located inter‐Sertoli junctional area together with diffused immunoreactivity of occludin in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells. It can be suggested that occludin is one of the robust elements of BTB in seminiferous tubules of rabbit testis. In proximal and distal caput epididymis, occludin immunoreactivity was found in the lateral as well as apical contacts of epithelial cells. In corpus epididymis, intense occludin immunoreactivity was found in the basolateral as well as apical contacts of epithelial cells together with cytoplasmic signal. In cauda epididymis, occludin immunoreactivity in luminal epithelia was relatively strong but largely found in the cytoplasm. This suggests that intriguing regulatory mechanisms differentially recruit occludin to the TJ in the different regions of epididymal epithelia. The differences in the subcellular localization as well as expression levels of occludin among the epididymal segments may reflect differential paracellular permeability of epithelia along the epididymal tubules and be correlated with sperm maturation in rabbit. In Western blot, a major form of occludin was MW 62 kDa together with small fragments of MW 34–39 kDa in testis and epididymis, suggesting the peptide cleavage of occludin. This is the first report on the molecular nature of TJs in a wild rabbit testis and epididymis.
Effects of Plasma Urea Nitrogen Levels on the Bovine Oocyte Ability to Develop After In vitro Fertilization
Authors: Santos P , Marques A , Antunes G , Chaveiro A , Andrade M , Borba A , Da Silva F Moreira
Published: October 2008

Contents

The overall aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro development ability of oocytes recovered from 56 Holstein Frisian heifers with low [group 1 (G1): <13 mg /dl], moderate [group 2 (G2): 13–16 mg /dl] and high [group 3 (G3): >16 mg /dl] plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentrations, to determine whether PUN concentrations affect the competence of oocytes to progress to blastocysts after in vitro fertilization. In vitro oocyte and embryo development was assessed by blastocyst rates, embryo total cell numbers and apoptosis. Blood samples for the determination of PUN were collected 24 h prior to collection of the ovaries at the slaughter. A total of 112 ovaries were collected at a local abattoir and oocytes (n = 697) were aspirated, in vitro matured and fertilized. On day 8, blastocysts were assigned to the terminal dUTP nick end labelling assay. Cleavage rates were significantly higher (p < 0.001) for groups 1 and 2 than for group 3 (i.e. 72.5% and 72.2% vs 61.7%, respectively). The proportion of fertilized oocytes that developed into blastocysts was higher (p < 0.05) for group 1 than for group 3 (34.0% vs 23.0%, respectively). Day 8 blastocysts showed higher total cell counts (p < 0.05) for group 1 than for group 3 (123.7 vs 76.3), and a higher (p < 0.05) total apoptotic cell rate was found in group 3 (25.9 and 19.0 vs 43.2 for G1, G2 and G3, respectively). In conclusion, the ability of oocytes from heifers with increased levels of PUN to develop to the blastocyst stage was significantly reduced when standard routines for in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture were followed. These detrimental effects can be mediated in part through direct effect of urea and/or by the metabolic products on the process of follicle‐enclosed oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic development.
Chromatin Configurations in the Ferret Germinal Vesicle that Reflect Developmental Competence for In Vitro Maturation
Authors: Sun X , Li Z , Yi Y , Ding W , Chen J , Engelhardt JF , Leno GH
Published: October 2008

Contents

In several mammalian species, the configuration of germinal vesicle (GV) chromatin correlates with the developmental competence of oocytes. Yet, no study has been published on the configuration of GV chromatin in ferret, nor is it known whether a specific configuration predicts meiotic competence in this species, in spite of the potential importance of ferret cloning to the study of human disease and to species conservation efforts. Here, we report on an analysis of the chromatin configuration in ferret GV oocytes and on how they correlate with meiotic development. Three distinct configurations were identified based on the degree of chromatin condensation: (1) fibrillar chromatin (FC), featuring strands of intertwined chromatin occupying most of the visible GV region; (2) intermediate condensed chromatin (ICC), characterized by dense, irregular chromatin masses throughout the GV; and (3) condensed chromatin (CC), which is highly compact and centered around the nucleolus. We also found that chromatin configuration was related to the extent of association with cumulus cells in cumulus–oocyte complexes; CC‐configured oocytes were most often surrounded by a compact cumulus layer and also a compact corona but FC‐configured oocytes were associated with neither. In addition, increasing chromatin condensation corresponded to an increase in oocyte diameter. Finally, following in vitro culture, significantly more CC‐configured oocytes underwent maturation to meiotic metaphase II than did FC‐ or ICC‐configured oocytes. We conclude that, in ferret, chromatin condensation is related to the sequential achievement of meiotic competencies during oocyte growth and differentiation, and thus can be used as a predictor of competence.
Coating of Objects Introduced into the Oviduct of Pseudopregnant Rabbit Does
Authors: El‐Gayar M , Holtz W
Published: October 2008

Contents

This investigation addresses the possibility of providing mouse embryos or other foreign objects with a protective mucin coat by transferring them into the oviduct of a life rabbit doe. Mouse embryos at the 8 or 16‐cell stage, rabbit oocytes and latex spheres resembling mouse embryos in size were transferred to the ligated oviducts of ovulation‐induced rabbit does. The does were killed 24 h later to have their oviducts flushed. A large proportion of the latex spheres (89%) and of the ovulated oocytes of the recipient does (92%) was recovered. The recovery rates for transferred rabbit oocytes, either intact or with the zona pellucida removed, were 61% and 51%, respectively, whereas that for mouse embryos was extremely poor (20%). Rabbit oocytes with or without zona were enveloped in a thick mucin coat regardless whether they had been transferred or ovulated by the recipients. The same applied to empty rabbit zonae. Mouse embryos and latex spheres were also covered by a mucin coat, but it was four times thinner. While residing in the rabbit oviduct, the mouse embryos continued developing to a stage comparable to what would have been expected in situ. During the subsequent in vitro culture, mouse embryos continued developing to the expanded blastocyst stage. They did, yet, not hatch from the zona. It may be concluded that particles of various origins, when placed into the oviduct of ovulated rabbit does, will be provided with a mucin covering which is, however, considerably thinner than that surrounding oocytes or zonae pellucidae originating from rabbits.
Trypsin and Chymotrypsin are Involved in the Progesterone‐Induced Acrosome Reaction in Canine Spermatozoa
Authors: Deppe M , Risopatrón J , Sánchez R
Published: October 2008

Contents

Acrosomal proteases allow the spermatozoon not only to cross the cumulus cells and penetrate the zona pellucida of the oocyte, but also they are needed for the acrosome reaction process (AR). The present study evaluated in vitro the role of trypsin and chymotrypsin in the acrosome reaction of canine spermatozoa by means of protease inhibitors. Spermatozoa obtained from the second fraction of the ejaculate and devoid of seminal plasma were re‐suspended in canine capacitation medium (CCM) and incubated at 38.5°C in 5% CO2. After 2 h (period of sperm capacitation), aliquots of sperm suspension were incubated separately with trypsin inhibitor NPGB (p‐nitrophenyl‐p′‐guanidino‐benzoate); TI (Trypsin inhibitor I‐S Type from soybean) and with chymotrypsin inhibitor TPCK (N‐tosyl‐L‐phenylalanine‐chloromethyl‐ketone) for 30 min. The AR was induced with progesterone and evaluated using the dual fluorescent staining technique ‘Hoechst and chlortetracycline’. Acrosomal exocytosis levels were statistically significant higher in the samples treated with progesterone than in the control without inducer. However, the trypsin inhibitors NPGB, TI and the chymotrypsin inhibitor TPCK reduced the percentage of AR when compared with the control with progesterone and without inhibitor (p < 0.001), where the AR values were 45.63 ± 3.8%, 51.63 ± 2.8%, 58.38 ±4.1% and 71.25 ± 4.9%, respectively. These results show that trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors are effective in blocking the acrosome reaction induced by progesterone in canine; in addition, they suggest the participation of respective proteases in the AR process in this species.
GROWTH HORMONE ATTENUATES MYOCARDIAL FIBROSIS IN RATS WITH CHRONIC PRESSURE OVERLOAD‐INDUCED LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY
Authors: Moreira Vanessa O , Pereira Camila A , Silva Mirella O , Felisbino Sergio L , Cicogna Antonio C , Okoshi Katashi , Aragon Flavio F , Padovani Carlos R , Okoshi Marina P , Castro Ana VB
Published: October 2008

The role of growth hormone (GH) in cardiac remodelling and function in chronic and persistent pressure overload‐induced left ventricular hypertrophy has not been defined. The aim of the present study was to assess short‐term GH treatment on left ventricular function and remodelling in rats with chronic pressure overload‐induced hypertrophy.

Twenty‐six weeks after induction of ascending aortic stenosis (AAS), rats were treated with daily subcutaneous injections of recombinant human GH (1 mg/kg per day; AAS‐GH group) or saline (AAS‐P group) for 14 days. Sham‐operated animals served as controls. Left ventricular function was assessed by echocardiography before and after GH treatment. Myocardial fibrosis was evaluated by histological analysis.

Before GH treatment, AAS rats presented similar left ventricular function and structure. Treatment of rats with GH after the AAS procedure did not change bodyweight or heart weight, both of which were higher in the AAS groups than in the controls. After GH treatment, posterior wall shortening velocity (PWSV) was lower in the AAS‐P group than in the control group. However, in the AAS‐GH group, PWSV was between that in the control and AAS‐P groups and did not differ significantly from either group. Fractional collagen (% of total area) was significantly higher in the AAS‐P and AAS‐GH groups compared with control (10.34 ± 1.29, 4.44 ± 1.37 and 1.88 ± 0.88%, respectively; P < 0.05) and was higher still in the AAS‐P group compared with the AAS‐GH group.

The present study has shown that short‐term administration of GH to rats with chronic pressure overload‐induced left ventricular hypertrophy induces cardioprotection by attenuating myocardial fibrosis.
Using gap‐crossing capacity to evaluate functional connectivity of two Atlantic rainforest birds and their response to fragmentation
Authors: AWADE MARCELO , METZGER JEAN PAUL
Published: October 2008

Abstract One of the main consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation is the increase in patch isolation and the consequent decrease in landscape connectivity. In this context, species persistence depends on their responses to this new landscape configuration, particularly on their capacity to move through the interhabitat matrix. Here, we aimed first to determine gap‐crossing probabilities related to different gap widths for two forest birds (Thamnophilus caerulescens, Thamnophilidae; andBasileuterus culicivorus, Parulidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. These values were defined with a playback technique and then used in analyses based on graph theory to determine functional connections among forest patches. Both species were capable of crossing forest gaps between patches, and these movements were related to gap width. The probability of crossing 40 m gaps was 50% for both species. This probability falls to 10% when the gaps are 60 m (forB. culicivorus) or 80 m (forT. caerulescens). Actually, birds responded to stimulation about two times more distant inside forest trials (control) than in gap‐crossing trials. Models that included gap‐crossing capacity improved the explanatory power of species abundance variation in comparison to strictly structural models based merely on patch area and distance measurements. These results highlighted that even very simple functional connectivity measurements related to gap‐crossing capacity can improve the understanding of the effect of habitat fragmentation on bird occurrence and abundance.
Scaling body mass and use of space in three species of marsupials in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil
Authors: VIEIRA MARCUS VINÍCIUS , DE ALMEIDA CUNHA ANDRÉ
Published: October 2008

Abstract  Body mass is considered a major determinant of home range size, but usually at a large scale of body mass variation. The exact scale where body size becomes more important than particular adaptations of each species is not clear, and uncertainty in the estimate of home range size is a possible cause of weak intraspecific scaling. We determine the scaling to body mass of two alternative movement measurements, daily home range (DHR) and its intensity of use (IU), in three species of didelphid marsupials, Didelphis aurita, Philander frenatus, and Metachirus nudicaudatus (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae). The expected scaling exponents DHR ≈ M0.5 and IU ≈ M−0.25 were derived from the scaling to body mass of home range and daily movement distance. Animals were tracked in Serra dos Órgãos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using a spool‐and‐line device. Individuals of the three species were compared combining intra and interspecific variation in a single analysis, with species, body mass, and thread tracked as covariates. The model best supported included only body mass as the independent variable, with DHR ≈ M0.435 and IU ≈ M−0.218, close to the expected values. The second best supported model included species identity, but with a non‐significant effect. It was surprising that body mass was more important than species identity in a comparison involving only three species, and considering the morphological and locomotory adaptations of the three species. Body mass may become more important than species identity when the scale of variation approaches one order of magnitude.
Estimating species richness and catch per unit effort from boat electro‐fishing in a lowland river in temperate Australia
Authors: EBNER BRENDAN C. , THIEM JASON D. , GILLIGAN DEAN M. , LINTERMANS MARK , WOODEN IAN J. , LINKE SIMON
Published: October 2008

Abstract  Biodiversity estimates are typically a function of sampling effort and in this regard it is important to develop an understanding of taxon‐specific sampling requirements. Northern hemisphere studies have shown that estimates of riverine fish diversity are related to sampling effort, but such studies are lacking in the southern hemisphere. We used a dataset obtained from boat electro‐fishing the fish community along an essentially continuous 13‐km reach of the Murrumbidgee River, Australia, to investigate sampling effort effects on fish diversity estimates. This represents the first attempt to investigate relationships between sampling effort and the detection of fish species in a large lowland river in Australia. Seven species were recorded. Species‐specific patterns in catch per unit effort were evident and are discussed in terms of solitary and gregarious species, recreational fishing and the monitoring of rare and threatened species. There was a requirement to sample substantial lengths of river to describe total species richness of the fish community in this river reach. To this end, randomly allocated sampling effort and use of species richness estimators produced accurate estimates of species richness without the requirement for excessive levels of effort. Twenty operations were required to estimate species richness at this site, highlighting the need for comparable studies of river fish communities in lowland rivers elsewhere in Australia and the southern hemisphere.
TOWARDS PAINLESS COLONOSCOPY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL ON CARBON DIOXIDE‐INSUFFLATING COLONOSCOPY
Authors: Wong James C. H. , Yau Kevin K. , Cheung Hester Y. S. , Wong Denis C. T. , Chung Cliff C. , Li Michael K. W.
Published: October 2008

Background:  Carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation during colonoscopy was reported to reduce pain, but data are limited. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the effect of CO2 insufflation on pain during and after colonoscopy.

Methods:  Patients were randomized into CO2 insufflation (CO2i) or air insufflation (AIRi) groups. Pain during and after the examination were recorded using a visual analogue scale. Other outcomes included the caecal intubation rate, time to reach the caecum and complication. With questionnaire, patients’ satisfaction and acceptance of the procedure were assessed.

Results:  Over a 4‐month period, 96 patients were recruited. The caecal intubation rate was 96 and 98% in the CO2i group and the AIRi group, respectively. No complication occurred in the CO2i group whereas one patient from the AIRi group developed late haemorrhage after polypectomy. Patients in the CO2i group had a lower pain score during (P < 0.01) and 30 min after (P = 0.02) the examination. Significantly more patients in the CO2i group reported the examination as painless (visual analogue scale 0) during the procedure (45 vs 14%, P < 0.01) and 30 min after (70 vs 51%, P = 0.04). In both groups, high satisfaction scores were recorded. Most patients (93% for the CO2i group and 98% for the AIRi group) would accept another colonoscopy if indicated.

Conclusion:  Insufflation with CO2 during colonoscopy results in less pain during and after the examination. Because of better tolerance, colonoscopy with CO2 insufflation might gain wide acceptance in the community to be used as a screening tool.
ENDOSCOPIC‐ASSISTED SKIN‐SPARING MASTECTOMY COMBINED WITH SENTINEL NODE BIOPSY
Authors: Ito Ken‐Ichi , Kanai Toshiharu , Gomi Kuniyuki , Watanabe Takayuki , Ito Tokiko , Komatsu Akira , Fujita Tomoyuki , Amano Jun
Published: October 2008

Breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) has been carried out as desirable choice for patients with early‐stage breast cancer. However, many patients obliged to abandon BCS because of tumours accompanied by extended intraductal components or multiple tumours. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel endoscopic‐assisted technique for skin‐sparing mastectomy (SSM) combined with sentinel node biopsy (SNB), followed by immediate breast reconstruction with mammary prosthesis. Between April 2000 and November 2006, 33 patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer underwent endoscopic‐assisted SSM. Immediate reconstruction with the mammary prosthesis was carried out in 30 of 33 patients. On postoperative histopathological diagnosis, 21 tumours were diagnosed as ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma in situ. Twelve tumours were diagnosed as invasive carcinoma. Eight of 12 invasive carcinomas were accompanied by a wide spreading intraductal component. Two patients were diagnosed as having multicentric carcinomas, which made the standard breast‐conserving treatment difficult. After a mean follow‐up period of 51.2 months (range 16–86 months), neither locoregional recurrence nor distant metastasis has been detected. Thus, combining SSM and SNB with immediate reconstruction with the mammary prosthesis may offer the selected patients with early‐stage breast cancer favourable aesthetic results without incurring additional oncological risks. The procedure could be an alternative treatment option for patients with widely spreading intraductal component or multiple tumours.
CLINICAL EVALUATION OF LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR OF LARGE HIATAL HERNIAS WITH TiMesh
Authors: Hazebroek Eric J. , Ng Ada , Yong David H. K. , Berry Hayley , Leibman Steven , Smith Garett S.
Published: October 2008

The use of mesh for laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias may decrease recurrence rates in comparison with primary suture repair. The type of mesh material, as well as its size and shape, is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate a lightweight polypropylene mesh (TiMesh) repair of hiatal hernias, with particular reference to symptomatic relief, patient satisfaction and quality of life (QOL). From a prospectively maintained clinical database, 40 consecutive patients were identified who underwent elective laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with TiMesh between November 2004 and December 2006. QOL and symptom analysis was carried out using Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) and dysphagia questionnaires preoperatively, and postoperatively after 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. The mean age of the patient was 65.2 years (range: 40–93 years). Total complication rate was 7.5%; all complications were treated without residual disability. There was no 30‐day mortality. Median hospital stay was 2.7 days (range 2–13 days). Completed questionnaires were obtained from 37 (92.5%) of 40 patients. After 1 year, more than 90% of patients were satisfied with their symptomatic outcome and regarded their surgery as successful. There was a significant improvement in QOL, measured with QOLRAD at all postoperative time‐points (P < 0.001). There was no difference between pre‐ and postoperative dysphagia scores. Laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernias with TiMesh yields good symptomatic and clinical outcome. Further studies are needed to show whether the use of this lightweight polypropylene mesh is associated with a reduction in recurrence rates after hiatal hernia repair in the longer term.
Microwave and millimetre wave sensors for crack detection
Authors: ZOUGHI R. , KHARKOVSKY S.
Published: October 2008

Non‐destructive detection and evaluation of stress‐induced fatigue cracks in metals is an important practical issue in several critical environments including surface transportation (steel bridges, railroad tracks, railroad car wheels, etc.), aerospace transportation (aircraft fuselage, landing gears, etc.) and power plants (steam generator tubings, etc.). Although there are several standard non‐destructive evaluation techniques, near‐field microwave and millimetre wave techniques have shown tremendous potential for significantly adding to the available non‐destructive ‘toolbox’ for this purpose. This paper serves as a review of recent advances made in this area and the capabilities of these techniques for detecting cracks and evaluating their various dimensional properties including determining a crack tip location accurately. These techniques include using open‐ended rectangular probes (in two distinct modes) and open‐ended coaxial probes.
Piezoelectric wafer active sensors for in situ ultrasonic‐guided wave SHM
Authors: YU L. , SANTONI‐BOTTAI G. , XU B. , LIU W. , GIURGIUTIU V.
Published: October 2008

In situ structural health monitoring aims to perform on‐demand interrogation of the structure to determine the presence of service‐induced damage and defects using non‐destructive evaluation ultrasonic wave methods. Recently emerged piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) have the potential to significantly improve damage detection and health monitoring. PWAS are low‐profile transducers that can be permanently attached onto the structure or inserted in between composite laminates, and can perform structural damage detection in thin‐wall structures using guided wave methods (Lamb, Rayleigh, SH, etc.).

This paper describes the analytical and experimental work of using PWAS‐guided waves for in situ structural damage detection on thin‐wall structures. We begin with reviewing the guided wave theory in plate structures and PWAS principles. The mechanisms of Lamb wave excitation and detection using PWAS is presented. Subsequently, we address in turn the use of PWAS to generate Lamb waves for damage (cracks and corrosion) detection in metallic structures. Pulse‐echo, pitch‐catch, phased array and time reversal methods are illustrated demonstrating that PWAS Lamb‐waves techniques are suitable for damage detection and structural health monitoring. The last part of the paper treats analytically and experimentally PWAS excitation and tuning in composite materials. The research results presented in this paper show that in situ SHM methodologies using PWAS transducers hold the promise for more efficient, effective and timely damage detection in thin‐wall structures.
Wear behaviour of an aluminium matrix composite
Authors: GARCÍA‐ROMERO A. , IRISARRI A. M.
Published: October 2008

The wear behaviour of a composite material consisting in AS12UNG alloy reinforced with 15% short fibres of alumina has been studied. The material composition and the wear test conditions were defined in order to evaluate the potential performance of automotive pistons produced with such composite composition. As initially expected, the results indicate that an increase in the sliding velocity lead to higher wear rates in the stationary stages, and higher applied loads also induced acceleration in the wear process. Also, reciprocating sliding movement is clearly more damaging than the circular. However, results have shown that wear rates at 150 °C are lower than those recorded at room temperature representing a promising result for the use of this material in components that operate in this condition. This advantageous behaviour is lost at temperatures near to 300 °C, when a marked increase in the wear rate and a signification contribution of adhesive wear were observed.
A method to estimate plastic loads for elbows with non‐uniform thicknesses
Authors: KIM Y.‐J. , KIM N.‐H. , OH C.‐Y. , OH C.‐S.
Published: October 2008

This paper provides a method to estimate plastic loads [defined by the twice‐elastic‐slope (TES)] for elbows with non‐uniform thicknesses under in‐plane bending and under internal pressure, based on systematic FE limit analyses using elastic‐perfectly plastic materials. The intrados thickness is assumed to be up to 30% thicker than the straight pipe thickness, whereas the extrados thickness up to 30% thinner. The FE plastic loads are compared with estimated ones using closed‐form approximations for elbows with uniform thicknesses, to provide guidance on the choice of a representative thickness to predict plastic loads for elbows with non‐uniform thicknesses. Results suggest that the use of the straight pipe thickness gives overall satisfactory predictions. Estimated plastic loads are conservative, and differ from FE results by less than 10% for all cases considered. Despite its simplicity, results look very promising, and thus the use of the straight pipe thickness can be recommended to estimate plastic loads for elbows with non‐uniform thicknesses in practice.
The nigrostriatal dopamine system of aging GFRα‐1 heterozygous mice: neurochemistry, morphology and behavior
Authors: Zaman Vandana , Boger Heather A. , Granholm Ann‐Charlotte , Rohrer Baerbel , Moore Alfred , Buhusi Mona , Gerhardt Greg A. , Hoffer Barry J. , Middaugh Lawrence D.
Published: October 2008

Given the established importance of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in maintaining dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems, the nigrostriatal system and associated behaviors of mice with genetic reduction of its high‐affinity receptor, GDNF receptor (GFR)α‐1 (GFRα‐1+/−), were compared with wild‐type controls. Motor activity and the stimulatory effects of a dopamine (DA) D1 receptor agonist (SKF 82958) were assessed longitudinally at 8 and 18 months of age. Monoamine concentrations and dopaminergic nerve terminals in the striatum and the number of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) were assessed. The results support the importance of GFRα‐1 in maintaining normal function of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system, with deficits being observed for GFRα‐1+/− mice at both ages. Motor activity was lower and the stimulatory effects of the DA agonist were enhanced for the older GFRα‐1+/− mice. DA in the striatum was reduced in the GFRα‐1+/− mice at both ages, and tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive cell numbers in the SN were reduced most substantially in the older GFRα‐1+/− mice. The combined behavioral, pharmacological probe, neurochemical and morphological measures provide evidence of abnormalities in GFRα‐1+/− mice that are indicative of an exacerbated aging‐related decline in dopaminergic system function. The noted deficiencies, in turn, suggest that GFRα‐1 is necessary for GDNF to maintain normal function of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. Although the precise mechanism(s) for the aging‐related changes in the dopaminergic system remain to be established, the present study clearly establishes that genetic reductions in GFRα‐1 can contribute to the degenerative changes observed in this system during the aging process.