bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystalloid flush with backward unclamping may decrease post‐reperfusion cardiac arrest and improve short‐term graft function when compared to portal blood flush with forward unclamping during liver transplantation
Authors: Fukazawa Kyota , Nishida Seigo , Hibi Taizo , Pretto Ernesto A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDuring liver transplant (LT), the release of vasoactive substances into the systemic circulation is associated with severe hemodynamic instability that is injurious to the recipient and/or the post‐ischemic graft. Crystalloid flush with backward unclamping (CB) and portal blood flush with forward unclamping (PF) are two reperfusion methods to reduce reperfusion‐related cardiovascular perturbations in our center. The primary aim of this study was to compare these two methods. After institutional review board (IRB) approval, cadaveric whole LT cases performed between 2003 and 2008 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on reperfusion methods: CB or PF. After background matching with propensity score, the effect of each method on post‐operative graft function was assessed in detail. In our cohort of 478 patients, CB was used in 313 grafts and PF in 165. Thirty‐day graft survival was lower, and risk of retransplantation was higher in PF. Multivariable model showed that CB is an independent factor to reduce primary non‐function, cardiac arrest and improve 30‐d graft survival. Also, the incidence of ischemic‐type biliary lesions was significantly higher in the PF group. Reperfusion methods affect intraoperative hemodynamics and post‐transplant outcome. CB allows for control over temperature and composition of the perfusate, perfusion pressure, and the rate of infusion.
The effects of wood on stream habitat and native fish assemblages inNewZealand
Authors: Baillie Brenda R. , Hicks Brendan J. , van den Heuvel Michael R. , Kimberley Mark O. , Hogg Ian D. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHistoric deforestation has deprived many river systems of their natural wood loadings. To study the effects of the loss of wood from waterways, a field trial was conducted in three small forested streams inNewZealand. The objectives were to (i) examine differences in fish assemblages among wooded pools (where wood provided cover), open pools and riffles and (ii) measure the effects of wood removal on channel morphology and fish assemblages. In the first part of the study, no significant differences were found in total fish density among the three habitats. However, total fish biomass was significantly higher in wooded pools (64% of total fish biomass) compared with open pools and riffles. Mean density and biomass of banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) and mean biomass of longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii) were highest in wooded pools, whereas the density and biomass of bluegill bully (Gobiomorphus hubbsi) and torrentfish (Cheimarrichthys fosteri) were highest in riffles. In the second part of the study, wood was removed from a 200‐m section (treatment) in each stream, significantly reducing pool area and increasing the proportion of channel area and length in riffles. At the habitat scale, banded kokopu and large longfin eel were the two species mostly affected by wood removal. At the reach scale, banded kokopu biomass was significantly lower in the treatment sections. Although wooded pools were a small portion of total habitat, they provided important habitat for two ofNewZealand's larger native fish taxa.
A real‐time eco‐evolutionary dead‐end strategy is mediated by the traits of lineage progenitors and interactions with colony invaders
Authors: Pruitt Jonathan N. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractEvolutionary dead‐end strategies are characterized by short‐term productivity benefits and long‐term evolutionary costs. Here, I detail a real‐time dead‐end strategy associated with the behavioural traits of lineage progenitors in the social spider Anelosimus studiosus. Specifically, colony lineages founded by docile spiders were eight times more likely to suffer extinction, despite their superior reproductive output. However, when inquilines were experimentally removed from progenitor colonies, differences in extinction probability among lineages vanished. Similarly, among lineages founded by purely docile or aggressive individuals, the descendants of lineages with the highest reproductive output suffered the lowest survivorship, whereas lineages founded by a mixture of docile/aggressive lacked such a trade‐off. Finally, lineages with shorter progenitor‐descendant distances gained more inquilines and their descendants had lower survivorship, relative to more diffuse lineages. Overall, this study demonstrates how the traits of lineage progenitors and species interactions can unite to determine the fates of entire lineages.
Human β‐defensin‐3 structure motifs that are important in CXCR4 antagonism
Authors: Feng Zhimin , Dubyak George R. , Jia Xun , Lubkowski Jacek T. , Weinberg Aaron 
Published: May 2013

Previously, we reported that human β‐defensin (hBD)‐3 can both antagonize CXCR4 function on T cells and promote receptor internalization in the absence of activation. In the present study, we explored the important structural elements of hBD‐3 that are involved in blocking CXCR4 activation by its natural ligand, stromal‐derived factor 1α (SDF‐1α; CXCL12). Results from site‐directed mutagenesis studies suggest that the ability of hBD‐3 to inhibit SDF‐1α–CXCR4 interaction, as assayed either by blocking SDF‐1 binding to CXCR4 or antagonizing SDF‐1‐induced Ca2+ mobilization, is correlated with the presence of hBD‐3 cysteine residues, specific surface‐distributed cationic residues, and the electrostatic properties and availability of both hBD‐3 termini. Specifically, hBD‐3 activity against CXCR4 is reduced by: (a) replacing all six cysteines; (b) replacing the cationic residues with acidic ones in the N‐terminus and C‐ terminus; (c) removal of the first 10 N‐terminal residues; and (d) replacing the surface‐exposed basic residues Lys8, Lys32 and Arg36 with neutral ones. The hBD‐3–CXCR4 interaction has potentially wide‐ranging implications for HIV‐related biology, as well as for a host of CXCR4‐dependent activities, including hematopoiesis, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, carcinogenesis, and immune cell trafficking. CXCR4 is highly expressed on T cells, monocytes, and epithelial cells. Therefore, understanding the structure–function relationship between hBD‐3 and CXCR4 that accounts for the antagonistic interaction between the two molecules may provide new insights into HIV/highly active antiretroviral therapy‐related pathology, as well as novel insights into the interaction between innate and adaptive immunity at mucosal sites.
Post‐release monitoring of site and group fidelity in acoustically tagged stocked fish
Authors: Pursche A. R. , Suthers I. M. , Taylor M. D. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractUnderstanding post‐release dynamics of stocked fish is essential to successful stock enhancement. This study aimed to match existing life history knowledge to optimise productivity of releases of mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus (Temminck & Schlegel) into an urban estuary. Passive acoustic telemetry was used to monitor the movement of juvenile mulloway in the Georges River, New South Wales, Australia, and assess the effect of release site and abiotic factors on broad‐scale movements of individuals for 26 weeks. This study found that release site primarily determines the location within the estuary where individuals reside. Water temperature, atmospheric pressure and rainfall did not correlate with fish distribution, although a flood drove fish stocked from upper and mid‐river sites down the estuary in February 2008. Fish gradually returned to these sites over the following 9 weeks. Emigration rates showed an initial downstream migration and an overall egression of ~50% of fish from the release site over 26 weeks. Fish released in this study showed a degree of site‐ and group‐fidelity, with fish distributing according to release site. It is recommended that future releases of mulloway are undertaken directly into nursery habitat in upper estuarine regions to minimise emigration and maximise efficiency of stocking programmes.
THE EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURE
Authors: Laor Yuval , Jablonka Eva 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIn his thought‐provoking book, Alex Mesoudi argues for an evolutionary, unifying framework for the social sciences, which is based on the principles of Darwinian theory. Mesoudi maintains that cultural change can be illuminated by using the genotype‐phenotype distinction, and that it is sufficiently similar to biological change to warrant a theory of culture‐change based on evolutionary models. He describes examples of cultural microevolution, within‐population changes, and the biologically inspired population genetics models used to study them. He also shows that some aspects of large‐scale (macro‐evolutionary) cultural transformation can be studied by using ecological models and phylogenetic comparative techniques. We argue that although Mesoudi's evolution‐based perspective offers many useful insights, his ambition—the unification of the social sciences within a Darwinian framework through the use of the methods and models he describes—suffers from a major theoretical limitation. His reductive approach leads to overlooking culture as a system with emergent processes and features. Mesoudi therefore does not engage with any of the central past and present theories in sociology and anthropology for which the systems view of culture is central, and he does not analyze the emergent, high‐level properties of human cultural‐social systems. We suggest that a systems perspective, using some analogies and metaphors from developmental biology, can complement the evolutionary approach and is more in tune with a systems view of society. Such an approach, which stresses feedback and self‐sustaining interactions within social networks, and engages with the insights of sociological and anthropological theories, can contribute to the understanding of cultural systems by highlighting the evolution of processes of social cohesion, and by making use of the mathematical approaches of complexity theory.
Early prosthetic hip joint infection treated with debridement, prosthesis retention and biofilm‐active antibiotics: functional outcomes, quality of life and complications
Authors: Aboltins C. , Dowsey M. M. , Peel T. , Lim W. K. , Parikh S. , Stanley P. , Choong P. F. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundPatients treated for early prosthetic joint infection (PJI) with surgical debridement, prosthesis retention and biofilm‐active antibiotics, such as rifampicin or fluoroquinolones have a rate of successful infection eradication that is similar to patients treated with the traditional approach of prosthesis exchange. It is therefore important to consider other outcomes after PJI treatment that may influence management decisions, such as function, quality of life (QOL) and treatment‐associated complications.Aims: To describe rates of successful treatment for patients with PJI undergoing surgical debridement, prosthesis retention and biofilm‐active antibiotics and compare their functional outcomes, QOL and complication rates to patients without PJI.Methods: Nineteen patients treated for PJI after hip arthroplasty with debridement, prosthesis retention and biofilm‐active antibiotics were matched to 76 controls who underwent hip arthroplasty with no infection.Results: Cumulative survival free from treatment failure at 2 years was 88% (95% confidence interval, 59–97%). PJI cases had significant improvement from pre‐arthroplasty to 12‐months post‐arthroplasty in function according to Harris Hip Score and QOL according to the 12‐item Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary. There was no significant difference in the improvement between controls and cases. PJI was not a risk factor for poor function or QOL. Medical complications occurred more frequently in cases (6/19 (32%)) than controls (9/76 (12%); P = 0.04), with this difference being accounted for by drug reactions. Surgical complications were the same in the two groups.ConclusionsTreatment of PJI with debridement, prosthesis retention and biofilm‐active antibiotics is successful, well tolerated and results in significant improvements in function and QOL, which are similar to patients without PJI.
Analysis of the latest Austroads guidelines for fitness to drive as promulgated in March 2012
Authors: Beran R. G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAfter 9 years, Austroads has published new guidelines for fitness to drive. The guidelines have a preamble, which includes a legal disclaimer denying any culpability for those who designed the guidelines. They also warn of the legal responsibility for health professionals to satisfy their obligations, the need to be current with both relevant medical and legal expectations and if in doubt to seek guidance from Medical Defence Organisations. The guidelines are divided into Parts A and B, with A providing broad overview and background information while B deals with specific entities, such as blackouts, epilepsy or sleep disorders. This paper examines the guidelines and offers an appraisal of their content, their relevance to health practitioners and an assessment of their role in assisting to improve road safety.
Association of doxycycline use with the development of gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease in Australians deployed abroad
Authors: Lee T. W. , Russell L. , Deng M. , Gibson P. R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe risks are unknown for developing chronic gastrointestinal illness when personnel are relocated short term to other countries and when taking antibiotic prophylaxis in areas where malaria is endemic.AimTo examine the associations of deployment to developed or developing countries and exposure to doxycycline with the new onset of acute gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).MethodsA cross‐sectional web‐based survey of all current and past members of the Australian Federal Police Association was undertaken. Independent predictors of gastrointestinal illness were examined by logistic regression analysis relative to those not deployed without exposure to doxycycline.ResultsOf 1300 respondents (response rate 34%), 133 were excluded due to pre‐existing chronic gastrointestinal illness. Five hundred and ninety had episodes of overseas deployment for a median duration of 6.5 (range 0.1–149) months. Eighteen (3%) of those not deployed took doxycycline compared with 171 (30%) of those deployed. The risk of acute gastroenteritis was associated with deployment itself without clear association with doxycycline. Doxycycline exposure was associated with increased onset of IBS in those deployed to developing (odds ratio [OR], 6.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.19–15.31) and developed country (OR, 6.93; 95% CI, 1.40–34.39). New onset of IBD (1.5%) was associated with deployment to developed countries and with doxycycline exposure (OR, 8.75; 95% CI, 1.67–45.86)).ConclusionsThe use of doxycycline is a risk factor for developing IBS and possibly IBD when deployed to developing and developed countries respectively. Doxycycline as a risk factor for chronic gastrointestinal illness warrants a prospective large‐scale study.
Clinical evaluation of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube feeding in Japanese patients with dementia
Authors: Kumagai Ryo , Kubokura Masakazu , Sano Akari , Shinomiya Mari , Ohta Shujiro , Ishibiki Yoshiro , Narumi Kenji , Aiba Miyoji , Ichimiya Yosuke 
Published: May 2013

Aim:  The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube feeding of elderly Japanese patients with dementia.Method:  The records of the 155 patients with dementia who underwent PEG in Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center were reviewed for pertinent clinical data, including diagnosis of dementia, place of stay before and after hospitalization, as well as survival rate, albumin levels, and incidence of aspiration pneumonia (AP) before and 6 months after PEG feeding. The latter three data of these patients were compared with those of 106 patients with dementia fed through a nasogastric (NG) tube.Results:  Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia were predominant. Fifty‐three percent of the patients were admitted from their home; the number of discharges to homes decreased to 21.2%. The mean (SD) of the albumin levels was 2.9 (0.4) g/dl before feeding and 2.9 (0.6) g/dl after 6 months. Among the patients with AP before PEG tube feeding, 51.6% had an AP recurrence. Conversely, AP occurred in 9.4% of the patients without AP before feeding. The patient survival rate was higher by 27 months when using PEG tube than when using an NG tube.Conclusion:  PEG tube feeding in patients with dementia leads to preservation of status for a few years. Compared with NG tube feeding, PEG tube feeding did not induce AP due to impairment of intact swallowing function, and was associated with higher survival rate of approximately 2 years. However, PEG tube feeding does not seem to promote home medical care.
Genetic Regulation of Antibody Response to Sheep Red Blood Cells: Isoelectric Focusing Analysis of Sera of Well Responding Strain A/J and Poorly Responding Strain B10 Mice
Authors: ŘÍHOVÁ B. , ŘÍHA I. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Isoelectric focusing (IEF) on a thin layer of polyacrylamide gel revealed that strain A/J produces antibodies with pI values distributed over the whole assayed pH range (pH 5.05–7.75), while strain B10 produces antibodies of a limited heterogeneity with pI values distributed between pH 6.3 and 7.5. The analysis of sera of congenic resistant (CR) and recombinant strains showed that haplotype H‐2a is associated with wide‐heterogeneity antibodies, while the presence of haplotype H‐2b is associated with the occurrence of limited‐heterogeneity antibodies. Thus a gene located within the I region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) may affect the degree of heterogeneity of the anti‐sheep red blood cell (SRBC) response. The gene is transmitted to the F1 generation as a dominant trait.After administration of endotoxin (LPS LT2, 10 μg/mouse) to the B10 mice, antibodies with pI values below pH 6.3 and above 7.5 appear in the serum; the heterogeneity of these antibodies resembles that of the A/J strain spectrotype.
Cervicitis and Infertility
Authors: KOSKIMIES A.I. , PAAVONEN J. , MEYER B. , KAJANOJA P. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The cervical factor was evaluated in 52 infertile women with clinical signs of cervicitis. An abnormal postcoital test (PCT) was observed in 62% of the patients. Bacterial cultures from the cervix in these patients did not reveal any abnormal flora that could be held responsible for the abnormal PCT. The occurrence of Chlamydia trachomatis in four patients was comparable with the isolation rate in a general gynecologic out‐patient clientele. Increased levels of antichlamydial antibodies did not correlate with the result of PCT.On the other hand, 81% of the patients had colposcopically observed abnormalities, including an atypical transformation zone in 21%. Colposcopically directed biopsy specimens revealed severe inflammatory changes in 89% of the patients. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1 (mild dysplasia) was diagnosed in 11 (21%) patients. Treatment with cryocautery and tetracycline resulted in significant improvement in the result of PCT in 38% of the patients. The results indicate that cervical inflammatory disease in women with unexplained infertility must be carefully and extensively evaluated and treated, which often results in better outcome of the PCT.
The Effect of Gonadectomy on the Sex‐Related Expression of Autoimmune Thyroiditis in Thymectomized and Irradiated Rats
Authors: PENHALE W.J. , AHMED S. ANSAR 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Female rats of the PVG/c strain were found to be approximately four times more susceptible than males to the induction of autoimmune thyroiditis by thymectomy and irradiation (Tx‐X) (female vs male incidence, 60%:14%). Similarly, the severity of the lesion was generally greater in females than males. Female Tx‐X rats also had a significantly higher incidence of antibodies to thyro‐globulin than males (incidence, 67%:24%, respectively) and developed higher titers.Prepubertal orchiectomy had a profound influence on both the severity and incidence of thyroiditis. Orchiectomized Tx‐X males were found to have changes approximating those of Tx‐X females (72%:60%, respectively). A corresponding influence was also noted on the incidence and titer of antibodies to thyroglobulin (incidence, 78%:67%, respectively). Postpubertal orchiectomy similarly intensified the incidence and severity of the disease.Ovariectomy also caused a slight but significant increase in autoimmune thyroiditis as compared to entire Tx‐X females (78%:60%, respectively).Sham‐gonadectomized control rats did not differ in overall susceptibility from entire Tx‐X rats.These observations indicate that the incidence and extent of autoimmunity induced in this particular model are modulated by sex steroid hormone production rather than by sex‐linked gene(s) directly determining susceptibility. It is also apparent that this influence is not exerted through the thymus gland.
Ovum Factor: A First Signal of Pregnancy?
Authors: CAVANAGH ALICE C. , MORTON HALLE , ROLFE BARBARA E. , GIDLEY‐BAIRD A. ANGUS 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have shown that, in the mouse, a factor is produced by the fertilized ovum within 24 h of mating. It cooperates with prolactin to stimulate ovarian production of component B of early pregnancy factor (EPF). This paper presents an initial characterization of the substance, termed ovum facor (OF).An indirect assay based on the rosette inhibition test for EPF has shown that OF is first released upon penetration of the ovum by the fertilizing spermatozoon. OF continues to be produced at least until blastulation. Processes which parthenogenetically activate the ovum are also capable of stimulating OF release from unfertilized ova. Gel filtration studies reveal that OF exists in multiple MW forms of approximately 160,000; 2,800; and 1,500.A substance with these characteristics has not been described previously; it may represent the first embryonic signal to the mother.
Lymphocyte Cytotoxicity Assay for Predicting Preterm Delivery of Small for Date Babies
Authors: SZEKERES‐BARTHO JULIA , CSERNUS V. , HADNAGY J. , PACSA A.S. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes, obtained from 84 pregnant women was tested, using human embryonic fibroblast cells as target cells. Lymphocytes of 8 women who delivered small for date babies before term and those of 3 women who had spontaneous abortions were significantly more cytotoxic (p < 0.001) than lymphocytes of women who delivered small for date babies at term, appropriately grown babies before term, or appropriately grown babies at term.Data suggest that a higher level of in vitro lymphocyte cytotoxic activity of pregnant women forecasts either the preterm delivery of small for date babies or the occurrence of spontaneous abortions.