bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of sexual function in Japanese men with prostate cancer undergoing permanent brachytherapy without androgen deprivation therapy: Analysis from the Japanese Prostate Cancer Outcome Study of Permanent Iodine‐125 Seed Implantation database
Authors: Okihara Koji , Yorozu Atsunori , Saito Shiro , Tanaka Nobumichi , Koga Hirofumi , Higashide Satoshi , Kikuchi Takashi , Nakano Masahiro 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate male sexual function in Japanese prostate cancer patients undergoing permanent brachytherapy without endocrine treatment, using quality of life measures of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite.MethodsA total of 482 patients were selected as analysis subjects from the nationwide database for the Japanese Prostate Cancer Outcome Study of Permanent Iodine‐125 Seed Implantation. The patients were asked to complete the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite questionnaires before and at 3, 12, 24, and 36 months after the permanent brachytherapy. Changes in their responses were analyzed, and any association of the outcomes was investigated. Furthermore, changes over time in their answers to Q18 (usual quality of your erections) were analyzed.ResultsA total of 72 patients (14.9%) had received external beam radiation. A total of 68 patients (14.1%) had taken any 5‐phosphodiesterase inhibitor medications. Regarding Q18, 232 patients (48.2%) selected either “There was no sexual activity” or “There was no desire for erection” before receiving permanent brachytherapy. Of all the 482 patients, sexual function was preserved in 138 patients (28.7%) 3 years after permanent brachytherapy. Overall satisfaction has significantly improved without regard for the deterioration of sexual function. Significant factors for maintaining sexual activity were patient age and sexual activity before permanent brachytherapy.ConclusionsIn Japanese patients undergoing permanent brachytherapy alone for prostate cancer, the sexual function is not well preserved. However, decreased sexual function does not seem to represent a major factor determining patients’ overall satisfaction. These findings might be peculiar to Japanese patients, in whom elderly subjects account for the majority.
Tool use in neurodegenerative diseases: Planning or technical reasoning?
Authors: Baumard Josselin , Lesourd Mathieu , Remigereau Chrystelle , Jarry Christophe , Etcharry‐Bouyx Frédérique , Chauviré Valérie , Osiurak François , Le Gall Didier 
Published: April 2017

Recent works showed that tool use can be impaired in stroke patients because of either planning or technical reasoning deficits, but these two hypotheses have not yet been compared in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to address the relationships between real tool use, mechanical problem‐solving, and planning skills in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD, n = 32), semantic dementia (SD, n = 16), and corticobasal syndrome (CBS, n = 9). Patients were asked to select and use ten common tools, to solve three mechanical problems, and to complete the Tower of London test. Motor function and episodic memory were controlled using the Purdue Pegboard Test and the BEC96 questionnaire, respectively. A data‐transformation method was applied to avoid ceiling effects, and single‐case analysis was performed based on raw scores and completion time. All groups demonstrated either impaired or slowed tool use. Planning deficits were found only in the AD group. Mechanical problem‐solving deficits were observed only in the AD and CBS groups. Performance in the Tower of London test was the best predictor of tool use skills in the AD group, suggesting these patients had general rather than mechanical problem‐solving deficits. Episodic memory seemed to play little role in performance. Motor dysfunction tended to be associated with tool use skills in CBS patients, while tool use disorders are interpreted as a consequence of the semantic loss in SD in line with previous works. These findings may encourage caregivers to set up disease‐centred interventions.
Effect on Rendement Napole genotype on metabolic markers in Ossabaw pigs fed different levels of fat
Authors: Lu H. , Yan H. , Ward M. G. , Stewart T. , Adeola O. , Ajuwon K. M. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryWe investigated effects of Rendement Napole (RN) genotype on metabolic markers in Ossabaw pigs fed diets with different levels of dietary fat. Thirty‐two pigs, belonging to either the wild‐type (WT, rn+/rn+) or carrier (CAR, RN−/rn+) genotypes (n = 16/genotype), were divided into two dietary groups, (high fat [HF] or low fat [LF]) diets, for 12 weeks (n = 8 pigs/genotype/diet) after which pigs were killed for gene expression analysis by RT‐PCR. Feeding HF diet caused increased daily gain (ADG, p < .05) and final body weight (BW) (p < .05) in comparison with the LF diet (p < .05). Feed efficiency (gain:feed) was higher (p < .05) in pigs on the HF and was higher (p < .05) in CAR pigs compared to WT. There was genotype × diet interaction (p = .05) on final BW such that CAR animals on LF diet had the same final BW as animals of both genotypes on HF diet. Carrier pigs on LF diet had higher (p < .05) average daily gain and gain:feed than WT pigs. There was a trend (p < .08) for a higher feed consumption in pigs on the LF diet. Backfat thickness was higher (p < .01) in pigs on the HF diet. Serum triglyceride was higher (0.62 vs. 0.33 mg/dl, p < .01) in pigs on HF diet. Serum insulin was higher (p < .05) in CAR versus WT pigs (0.40 vs. 0.015 μg/ml). Pigs on the HF diet had a higher (p < .05) serum insulin compared to those on the LF diet (0.032 vs. 0.023 μg/ml). Carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1‐alpha was higher (p < .05) in the longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus muscles of pigs on HF diet. Acyl‐CoA oxidase I was elevated (p < .05) in the liver of pigs on HF diet. Fatty acid synthase was lower in the longissimus dorsi muscle, liver and mesenteric fat (p < .05) of carrier pigs. The RN gene regulates specific metabolic markers in the Ossabaw pigs.
Exogenous protease supplementation of poultry by‐product meal‐based diets for broilers: Effects on growth, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility
Authors: Mahmood T. , Mirza M. A. , Nawaz H. , Shahid M. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryAn experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three levels (0%, 3% and 6%) of poultry by‐product meal (PBM) with or without protease on broiler growth, carcass characteristics and nutrient digestibility from 1 to 35 days. Two hundred and forty birds (n = 240) were fed equi‐caloric and equi‐nitrogenous (ME 2850 kcal/kg; CP 20%) diets throughout the experiment. The enzyme supplementation increased feed intake (p < .01) and body weight gain (p < .01), but feed:gain remained unaffected (p > .05) from 1 to 21 days. Increasing level of PBM decreased feed intake (p < .05), but body weight gain was improved (p < .05) at 3% PBM level during 1 to 21 days. The feed:gain was improved (p < .05) in birds fed diets containing 3% PBM. The feed:gain was also improved in birds fed diets containing 3% PBM from 1 to 35 days. However, feed intake and body weight gain in birds fed diets containing PBM remained unaffected. An interaction (p < .01) on feed intake between enzyme and PBM was noticed during 1 to 21 days. However, no interaction was recorded for body weight gain and feed:gain. The per cent carcass yield improved (p < .01) in birds fed diets supplemented with enzyme. The per cent breast meat yield was depressed (p < .005) in birds fed diets containing PBM. Apparent metabolizable energy (p < .001), nitrogen retention (p < .01), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (p < .001), and apparent digestibility coefficient for nitrogen (p < .01) improved in birds fed diets containing enzyme; however, a reverse was noticed in those fed diets containing only PBM. In conclusion, inclusion of 3% PBM along with supplementation of exogenous protease improved performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers.
Dietary pea fibre alters the microbial community and fermentation with increase in fibre degradation‐associated bacterial groups in the colon of pigs
Authors: Luo Y. , Chen H. , Yu B. , He J. , Zheng P. , Mao X. , Yu J. , Luo J. , Huang Z. , Chen D. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThis study was attempted to investigate the influence of dietary pea fibre (PF) on the community and quantity of colonic bacteria of piglets and finisher pigs using pyrosequencing data and real‐time PCR. The concentration of acetate in colonic digesta from PF‐fed piglets was significantly higher than that from control (p < .05). Feeding PF diet to finisher pigs increased the ratio of acetate to total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) but decreased the ratio of butyrate, as compared with the control pigs (p < .05 in both cases). The lower ratio of butyrate in samples from finisher pigs receiving PF suggested that this dietary fibre did not favour butyrate production in the hindgut. Supplementation of PF to piglets reduced abundance of Bacteroidetes, as compared with control animals. However, PF had opposite effects in finisher pigs, higher abundance of Bacteroidetes but lower of Firmicutes. Lactobacillus and Prevotella were found as the predominant genera in PF piglets. Prevotella accounted for nearly half of the total bacteria in the colon of finisher pigs in the PF group, but only one‐third in the control animals. Quantitative PCR showed that Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes were significantly increased in the colon of PF piglets (p < .05) as compared with control animals, but decreased in PF finisher pigs. Bacteroidetes–Prevotella–Porphyromonas and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans which are involved in degradation of dietary fibres were more abundant in the PF finisher pigs than in the controls (p < .05), suggesting mutualism between host and its gut microbes.
Assessment of Left Atrial Deformation and Function by 2‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Healthy Dogs and Dogs With Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Baron Toaldo M. , Romito G. , Guglielmini C. , Diana A. , Pelle N.G. , Contiero B. , Cipone M. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundThe assessment of left atrial (LA) function by 2‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) holds important clinical implications in human medicine. Few similar data are available in dogs.ObjectivesTo assess LA function by STE in dogs with and without myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), analyzing LA areas, systolic function, and strain.AnimalsOne hundred and fifty dogs were divided according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine classification of heart failure: 23 dogs in class A, 52 in class B1, 36 in class B2, and 39 in class C + D.MethodsProspective observational study. Conventional morphologic and Doppler variables, LA areas, and STE‐based LA strain analysis were performed in all dogs and results were compared among groups. Correlation analysis was carried out between LA STE variables and other echocardiographic variables.ResultsVariability study showed good reproducibility for all the tested variables (coefficient of variation <16%). Left atrial areas, fractional area change, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), peak atrial contraction strain, and contraction strain index (CSI) differed significantly between groups B2 and C + D and all the other groups (overall P < .001), whereas only PALS differed between groups B1 and A (P = .01). Left atrial areas increased with progression of the disease, whereas LA functional parameters decreased. Only CSI increased nonsignificantly from group A to group B1 and then progressively decreased. Thirty‐one significant correlations (P < .001, r > .3) were found between conventional left heart echocardiographic variables and LA areas and strain variables.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceLeft atrial STE analysis provides useful information on atrial function in the dog, highlighting a progressive decline in atrial function with worsening of MMVD.
Pharmacokinetics of posaconazole in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) after intravenous and oral administration
Authors: Gharibi S. , Kimble B. , Vogelnest L. , Barnes J. , Stadler C. K. , Govendir M. 
Published: April 2017

The pharmacokinetic profile of posaconazole in clinically normal koalas (n = 8) was investigated. Single doses of posaconazole were administered intravenously (i.v.; 3 mg/kg; n = 2) or orally (p.o.; 6 mg/kg; n = 6) with serial plasma samples collected over 24 and 36 hr, respectively. Plasma concentrations of posaconazole were quantified by validated high‐performance liquid chromatography. A noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis of data was performed. Following i.v. administration, estimates of the median (range) of plasma clearance (CL) and steady‐state volume of distribution (Vss) were 0.15 (0.13–0.18) L hr−1 kg−1 and 1.23 (0.93–1.53) L/kg, respectively. The median (range) elimination half‐life (t1/2) after i.v. and p.o. administration was 7.90 (7.62–8.18) and 12.79 (11.22–16.24) hr, respectively. Oral bioavailability varied from 0.43 to 0.99 (median: 0.66). Following oral administration, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax; median: 0.72, range: 0.55–0.93 μg/ml) was achieved in 8 (range 6–12) hr. The in vitro plasma protein binding of posaconazole incubated at 37°C was 99.25 ± 0.29%. Consideration of posaconazole pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets for some yeasts such as disseminated candidiasis suggests that posaconazole could be an efficacious treatment for cryptococcosis in koalas.
Emergency department utilization in pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Wittlieb‐Weber Carol A. , Rossano Joseph W. , Weber David R. , Lin Kimberly Y. , Ravishankar Chitra , Mascio Christopher E. , Shaddy Robert E. , O'Connor Matthew J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe used the NEDS database (2010) to evaluate ED utilization in PED HT recipients compared to other patient populations with focus on characteristics of ED visits, risk factors for admission, and charges. We analyzed 433 ED visits by PED HT recipients (median age 8 [range: 0‐18] years). The most common primary diagnosis category was infectious (n=163, 37.6%), with pneumonia being the most common infectious etiology. When compared to all PED visits, HT visits were more likely to result in hospital admission (32.6% versus 3.9%, P<.001), had greater hospital LOS (median of 3 days [IQR 2‐4] versus 2 days [IQR 1‐4], P=.001), and accumulated greater total hospital charges (median $26 317 [IQR $11 438‐$46 407] versus $12 332 [IQR $7092‐$22 583], P<.001). When compared to visits by other SOT recipients, results varied with similar rates of hospital admission for HT, LUNGT, and KT visits and similar LOS for HT and KT visits but differing total hospital charges. Although PED HT recipients account for a small percentage of overall ED visits, they are more likely to be hospitalized and require greater resource utilization compared to the general PED population, but not when compared to other SOT recipients.
High‐milking sheep have a lower ovulation rate and tend to yield fewer embryos in response to superovulation and intrauterine artificial insemination
Authors: Meraï A , Dattena M , Casu S , Rekik M , Lassoued N 
Published: April 2017

ContentsAntagonistic relationship between milk yield and reproduction is reported in several livestock species. This study aimed to investigate whether genetic merit for milk production in dairy sheep affects responses to superovulation, embryo yield and quality. A total of 21 cross‐bred Sarda x Lacaune ewes homogeneous for age, parity and stage of lactation were included. The ewes were stratified as high‐producing or low‐producing based on their genetic merit for milk production estimated by a pentatrait repeatability animal model. Oestrus was synchronized using an intravaginal progesterone pessary inserted on Day 0 and removed on Day 14. Superovulatory treatment consisted of 350 I.U. of porcine FSH administered in eight decreasing intramuscular doses every 12 hr with a total dose of 10 ml of solution starting 12 days after insertion of sponges. Laparoscopic artificial insemination (AI) was performed 48 hr after pessary removal. Surgical embryo recovery was performed at Day 8 after pessary removal. Correlation between breeding value for milk production and the number of corpora lutea (CL) was significantly different from zero (−0.49). High‐producing ewes had a lower number of CL than low‐producing counterparts (7.6 ± 2.50 vs 12.1 ± 5.16 respectively; p < .02). Furthermore, there was a tendency for high‐producing ewes to yield fewer embryos than low‐producing females (5.3 ± 3.46 vs 9.18 ± 5.11; p = .09). No differences were observed between ewes in both genetic groups with regard to the number of embryos of grades 1, 2 and 3. To our knowledge, this is the first report highlighting an antagonism between genetic merit for milk production and the ability to produce embryos in sheep. These results deserve to be considered in sheep breeding programmes.
Detection of intracellular reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide) and lipid peroxidation during cryopreservation of alpaca spermatozoa
Authors: Evangelista‐Vargas S , Santiani A 
Published: April 2017

ContentsThe objective of this study was to detect changes in intracellular reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide) production and lipid peroxidation during cryopreservation of alpaca spermatozoa. Twelve alpaca semen samples were conventionally cryopreserved. Intracellular superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy using dihydroethidium (DHE)/YO‐PRO‐1 and dichlorofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA)/propidium iodide (PI), respectively. Evaluations were performed during cooling curve at (1) 25°C, (2) 15°C, (3) 5°C/0 min, (4) 5°C/15 min, (5) 5°C/30 min and (6) after freezing/thawing. Evaluation of lipid peroxidation by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) was performed at 25°C, 5°C/30 min and after thawing. Maximum percentages of total spermatozoa producing superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide were found at 5°C/30 min (62.8 ± 6.3% and 30.5 ± 5.6%, respectively), and these results were higher (p < .05) than initial (25°C: 10.8 ± 3.8% and 6.8 ± 0.7%, respectively) and after thawing (29.8 ± 9.5% and 7.5 ± 1.8%, respectively) values. However, considering only viable spermatozoa, production of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide during overall stabilization at 5°C (>76% and >91%, respectively) and after thawing (74.9 ± 5.0% and 78.9 ± 2.2%, respectively) was higher (p < .05) than initial values at 25°C (38.7 ± 3.1% and 53.6 ± 2.0%, respectively). Lipid peroxidation at 25°C, 5°C/30 min, and post‐thawing were 346.5 ± 99.8, 401.1 ± 64.8 and 527.7 ± 142.8 ng/ml MDA, respectively. These results showed that high percentage of viable alpaca spermatozoa produces intracellular reactive species oxygen (ROS) during the cryopreservation process of alpaca semen.
Extended day length in late winter/early spring, with a return to natural day length of shorter duration, increased plasma testosterone and sexual performance in rams with or without melatonin implants
Authors: Abecia JA , Chemineau P , Keller M , Delgadillo JA 
Published: April 2017

ContentsSixteen rams were used to quantify the effects of long days, imposed during late winter/early spring, with or without exogenous melatonin, on plasma testosterone concentrations and ram serving capacity. Rams were assigned to two groups: photoperiod‐treated rams (Artificial Photoperiod, AP; n = 8), exposed to 2 months of long days (16 hr of light/day) between 22 December and 22 February, and control rams (Natural Photoperiod, NP; n = 8). At the end of the long‐day period, AP rams were returned to the natural photoperiod, and each ram in the two groups either did (+M) or did not (‐M) receive three subcutaneous melatonin implants. Four groups were created as follows: AP+M (n = 4), AP‐M (n = 4), NP+M (n = 4) and NP‐M (n = 4). Thirty days after of the onset of photoperiodic treatment, AP rams (13.5 ± 2.8 ng/ml) had significantly (p < .05) lower testosterone levels than NP rams (36.7 ± 1.0), and similar differences were not apparent at the end of the photoperiod treatment. A month later, AP rams (24.3 ± 7.9) had higher (p < .10) testosterone levels than NP rams (13.1 ± 5.0), with no effect of melatonin treatment. Fifty days after melatonin implantations, rams were exposed for 20 min to three oestrous ewes. AP rams (2.50 ± 0.42) exhibited significantly (p < .05) more serves than did NP rams (1.11 ± 0.39), and melatonin treatment had no significant effect; however, the interaction between treatments was significant. Time to first serve was significantly (p < .05) shorter in AP (2.30 ± 1.20 min) than it was in NP rams (5.58 ± 0.68 min). In conclusion, exposure to 2 months of long days in late winter/early spring, with a return to natural day length of shorter duration, increased plasma testosterone concentrations and sexual performance in rams with or without exogenous melatonin. This particular management is an option if a non‐hormonal reproductive strategy is scheduled; yet, if the use of exogenous hormones is feasible, melatonin implants increase the mating efficiency of rams.
Relationship between the risk factors for human papillomavirus infection and lower genital tract precursor lesion and cancer development in female transplant recipients
Authors: de Oliveira Martins Caroline Alves , Do Val Guimarães Isabel Cristina Chulvis , Velarde Luis Guillermo Coca 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to analyze the relationship between the several risk factors for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its persistence and to assess the prevalence of the lower genital tract precursor lesions, cancer, and HPV infection in female transplant recipients, besides the most prevalent HPV types.MethodsThe methodology adopted was a cross‐sectional study with a random sample of 61 patients.ResultsThe results indicated 10 cases (16.4%) of lesions, 54.5% of the overall prevalence of HPV infection, and HPV 16 was the most common high‐risk HPV type, followed by HPV 51/53/70. A multiple logistic regression was done and hormone use presented a statistically significant association with high‐risk HPV infection (P=.037). No statistically significant association was identified for the set of all factors with the lesions studied.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of HPV infection and its precursor lesions confirmed the importance of differential screening and follow‐up of transplanted patients. Condom use must be encouraged. The study result also confirmed the importance of knowledge of the viral type, in order to analyze the impact of HPV immunization, particularly against HPV types that are not 16/18. The reasonable rate of other genotypes, besides the vaccine types, should be considered to evaluate vaccination strategies.