bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carnitine partially protects the rat testis against the late damage produced by doxorubicin administered during pre‐puberty
Authors: Cabral R. E. L. , Okada F. K. , Stumpp T. , Vendramini V. , Miraglia S. M. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryDoxorubicin, an anticancer drug, is widely included in chemotherapy protocols to combat childhood cancer. Carnitine, an important quaternary amine, is present in testis and epididymis and is involved in sperm maturation; it has been used in infertility treatment. In a previous study, our group observed that l‐carnitine given before etoposide, another chemotherapeutic drug, reduces the spermatogenic damage and protects germ cells against apoptosis. This study aimed to evaluate the antiapoptotic and cytoprotective actions of l‐carnitine in long‐ and mid‐term basis, on the seminiferous epithelium of doxorubicin‐treated pre‐pubertal rats. Forty‐eight 30‐day‐old male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: sham‐control; doxorubicin; carnitine; carnitine/doxorubicin (l‐carnitine injected 1 h before doxorubicin). The rats were submitted to euthanasia at 64 and 100 days of age and their testes were collected for biometric, morphometric, and histopathological analyses. The numerical density of apoptotic germ cells was obtained (TUNEL method). In adult phase (100 days), the following spermatic parameters were analyzed: mature spermatid (19 step) count and sperm daily production per testis; sperm number and transit time through the epididymal caput/corpus and cauda; frequency of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa (from epididymal fluid), as well as sperm DNA integrity (Comet assay). The testicular and spermatic parameters at both ages were improved in rats treated with carnitine before doxorubicin. At 64 days, the TUNEL‐positive germ cell frequency was lower in the carnitine/doxorubicin‐treated rats comparatively to the doxorubicin‐treated rats. At 100 days of age, the sperm DNA fragmentation was also lower in the previously carnitine‐treated rats, as evidenced by the analysis of three parameters. Carnitine reduced the late testicular and spermatic damages caused by doxorubicin, probably providing a partial cytoprotection against the deleterious action of doxorubicin administration to pre‐pubertal rats. However, further studies shall be undertaken to investigate the protective mechanisms involved in such germ cell preservation.
Erectile function recovery in patients after non‐nerve sparing radical prostatectomy
Authors: Krishnan R. , Katz D. , Nelson C. J. , Mulhall J. P. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryFew studies have looked at erectile function recovery (EFR) rates in men undergoing non‐nerve sparing resection during radical prostatectomy (RP). Existing studies show great variation in EFR rates owing to multiple factors that minimize their utility in counselling RP patients. We investigated the EFR rate and its predictors in unilateral cavernous nerve resection and bilateral cavernous nerve resection patients 24 months after RP. We conducted a population‐based, prospective cohort study of 966 patients who underwent RP at a tertiary cancer centre from 2008 to 2012. Cavernous nerve condition was evaluated on a 4‐point nerve sparing score and assigned to one of three groups: bilateral sparing, unilateral resection (UNR) and bilateral nerve resection (BNR). EF was assessed pre‐RP and 24–30 months post‐op using a validated 5‐point patient‐reported scale (1 = fully rigid; 5 = no tumescence). EFR was defined as a post‐op EF grade of 1–2. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, anova, chi‐square, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression. Mean baseline EF was 1.84 ± 1.3 and 2.74 ± 1.5 for UNR and BNR patients respectively. Thirty‐three percent of UNR patients and 13% of BNR patients exhibited EFR. Age, baseline EF were predictors of EFR. Multivariable analysis showed baseline EF was a significant predictor of EFR at 24 months for UNR. For BNR patients, pre‐RP EF was the only factor predictive of EFR. Patients undergoing nerve resection still have a significant chance of achieving true EFR, with UNR surgery patients showing more potential for improvement than patients undergoing BNR surgery. Age and baseline EFR characterize recovery prospects in these two groups. Physicians should thus measure and account for baseline EF in addition to age and the degree of nerve resection when advising patients about expectations for successful EF following RP.
Retinal hemodynamic oxygen reactivity assessed by perfusion velocity, blood oximetry and vessel diameter measurements
Authors: Klefter Oliver Niels , Lauritsen Anne Øberg , Larsen Michael 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPurposeTo test the oxygen reactivity of a fundus photographic method of measuring macular perfusion velocity and to integrate macular perfusion velocities with measurements of retinal vessel diameters and blood oxygen saturation.MethodsSixteen eyes in 16 healthy volunteers were studied at two examination sessions using motion‐contrast velocimetry and retinal oximetry with vessel diameter corrections. To test oxygen reactivity, participants were examined during normoxia, after 15 min of hyperoxia and finally after 45 min of normoxia. Repeatability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and limits of agreement.ResultsFifteen minutes of hyperoxia was accompanied by mean reductions in arterial and venous perfusion velocities of 14% and 16%, respectively (p = 0.0080; p = 0.0019), constriction of major arteries and veins by 5.5% and 8.2%, respectively (p < 0.0001), increased retinal arterial oxygen saturation from 95.1 ± 5.0% to 96.6 ± 6.4% (p = 0.038) and increased retinal venous oxygen saturation from 62.9 ± 6.7% to 70.3 ± 7.8% (p = 0.0010). Parameters returned to baseline levels after subsequent normoxia. Saturation and vessel diameter ICCs were 0.88–0.98 (range). For perfusion velocities, short‐term ICCs were 0.79–0.82 and long‐term ICCs were 0.06–0.11. Intersession increases in blood glucose were associated with reductions in perfusion velocities (arterial p = 0.0067; venous p = 0.018).ConclusionOxygen reactivity testing supported that motion‐contrast velocimetry is a valid method for assessing macular perfusion. Results were consistent with previous observations of hyperoxic blood flow reduction using blue field entoptic and laser Doppler velocimetry. Retinal perfusion seemed to be regulated around individual set points according to blood glucose levels. Multimodal measurements may provide comprehensive information about retinal metabolism.
Clinical verification of the formula of Bennett et al. (1994) of determining the size of retinal features by fundus photography
Authors: Knaapi Laura , Aarnisalo Eero , Vesti Eija , Leinonen Markku T. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPurposeTo clinically verify the formula of Bennett et al. (Graefes Arch Clin Exp 1994; 232: 361) of determining the size of retinal features and to study the previously unknown conversion factor of Topcon fundus camera.MethodsFundus photographs were taken from 17 healthy volunteers with Topcon and telecentric Zeiss fundus cameras. The macula‐disc centre distance was measured from Zeiss fundus photographs in metric units using the formula of Bennett et al. (Graefes Arch Clin Exp 1994; 232: 361). The conversion factor of Topcon fundus camera and the macula‐disc centre distance in degrees were calculated. The latter was further used to calculate the theoretical location of the blind spot. The results of 12 participants were compared to the location of their physiological blind spot determined with visual field examination by octopus custom‐made blind spot visual field program.ResultsThe theoretical location of the blind spot correlated well with the corresponding location of the physiological blind spot in the visual field. The magnification of Topcon fundus camera was close to a constant, and thus, the previously unknown conversion factor could be determined.ConclusionsThe location of the physiological blind spot in the visual field can be derived from fundus photographs using the formula of Bennett et al. (Graefes Arch Clin Exp 1994; 232: 361), proving it to give a close approximation of the size of retinal features. Furthermore, the conversion factor of Topcon fundus camera was close to a constant, and thus, it can be considered to function close to telecentric design.
Effect of chromogranin A‐derived vasostatin‐1 on laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization in the mouse
Authors: Maestroni Silvia , Maestroni Anna , Ceglia Simona , Tremolada Gemma , Mancino Monica , Sacchi Angelina , Lattanzio Rosangela , Zucchiatti Ilaria , Corti Angelo , Bandello Francesco , Zerbini Gianpaolo 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPurposeTo verify the effect of vasostatin‐1 (VS‐1), an anti‐angiogenic fragment of chromogranin A, in the prevention of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in an established mouse model of laser‐induced ocular neovascularization.MethodsBruch's membrane, the innermost layer of the choroid, was broken by laser photocoagulation in C57/Bl6 mice, to induce CNV. Mice were then treated daily for 14 days by intraperitoneal injection of VS‐1 or vehicle (6 mice/group). CNV and vascular leakage were measured at three time‐points (day 0, 7 and 14) in vivo by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA). Ex vivo analysis of CNV was also performed at day 14 by confocal microscopy analysis of dextran‐perfused choroidal flat‐mounts.ResultsIn vivo analyses showed that VS‐1 significantly reduced CNV at day 14 (p = 0.03) and vascular leakage at day 7 (p = 0.01) and 14 (p = 0.04). Ex vivo confocal microscopy analysis of CNV performed on dextran‐perfused choroidal flat‐mounts at day 14 confirmed the protective activity of VS‐1 (p = 0.01). A significant correlation between the results of in vivo and ex vivo analyses of CNV was also observed (p = 0.001, R2 = 0.81).ConclusionThe results indicate that VS‐1 can prevent CNV and vascular leakage in a mouse model of ocular neovascularization, suggesting that this polypeptide might have therapeutic activity in human ocular diseases that are complicated by neovascularization or excessive vascular permeability.
The oral iron chelator deferasirox inhibits NF‐κB mediated gene expression without impacting on proximal activation: implications for myelodysplasia and aplastic anaemia
Authors: Banerjee Ashish , Mifsud Nicole A. , Bird Robert , Forsyth Cecily , Szer Jeff , Tam Constantine , Kellner Sybil , Grigg Andrew , Motum Penelope , Bentley Mark , Opat Stephen , Grigoriadis George 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThe myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of disorders characterized by ineffective haematopoiesis, bone marrow dysplasia and cytopenias. Failure of red cell production often results in transfusion dependency with subsequent iron loading requiring iron chelation in lower risk patients. Consistent with previous reports, we have observed haematopoietic improvement in a cohort of patients treated with the oral iron chelator deferasirox (DFX). It has been postulated that MDS patients have a pro‐inflammatory bone marrow environment with increased numbers of activated T cells producing elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), which is detrimental to normal haematopoiesis. We demonstrate that DFX inhibits nuclear factor (NF)‐κB dependent transcription without affecting its proximal activation, resulting in reduced TNF production from T cells stimulated in vitro. These results suggest that the haematopoietic improvement observed in DFX‐treated patients may reflect an anti‐inflammatory effect, mediated through inhibition of the transcription factor NF‐κB and support the therapeutic targeting of this pathway, which is aberrantly activated in a large proportion of haematological malignancies.
Mothers' and health care providers' perspectives of the barriers and facilitators to attendance at Canadian neonatal follow‐up programs
Authors: Ballantyne M. , Benzies K. , Rosenbaum P. , Lodha A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundDespite the benefits of Neonatal Follow‐Up (NFU) programs for infants at risk for developmental problems subsequent to preterm birth, non‐attendance continues to be a problem within Canada and beyond. This study investigated the barriers and facilitators to attendance at Canadian NFU programs from mothers' and health care providers' (HCP) perspectives.MethodsIn this multi‐site qualitative descriptive study, we conducted semi‐structured individual interviews with 12 mothers, six from each of two NFU programs; and focus groups with 20 HCPs from nine NFU programs. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed and then subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsThe predominant barriers represented a complex interplay of cumulative factors: mothers' isolation and feeling overwhelmed, with limited support, experiencing difficulty attending because of limited resources, who viewed NFU as not needed until problems arose for their child. Other barriers included vulnerability and fear of bad news. Mothers reported the need to protect their vulnerable child from risks, whereas HCPs reported creating vulnerability by monitoring the child's development over time. HCPs perceived fear of bad news as a barrier, whereas mothers viewed that impending bad news increased their need to attend to address the issue. The predominant facilitators were support, family centred‐care and mothers with adequate resources.ConclusionsAttendance is most problematic for mothers with limited support, capacity and resources. First and foremost, targeted approaches to NFU service provision are needed to address the cumulative barriers and improve experiences for mothers who find it difficult to attend NFU. A continuous relationship with a single point of contact is needed and merits further investigation – a provider who works across the traditional silos of neonatal intensive care, NFU and community services, minimizes duplication and navigates transitions.
Can we predict allergen‐induced asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis?
Authors: Buslau A. , Voss S. , Herrmann E. , Schubert R. , Zielen S. , Schulze J. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryBackgroundA high percentage of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) exhibit signs of bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), and approximately 30% may develop asthma later in life.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify predictors for allergen‐induced asthma in patients with AR.MethodsHundred patients with AR selected by public posting and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Twenty‐three patients with concomitant physician‐diagnosed asthma and four with a negative allergy test were excluded from further analysis. The remaining 73 subjects with AR underwent bronchial allergen provocation (BAP), which is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of clinically relevant allergen‐specific asthma. The following parameters were measured to explore predictors for an early and late asthmatic response (EAR and LAR): standardised questionnaire, skin prick test (SPT), total IgE, specific IgE to grass pollen, FEV1, PD20FEV1 methacholine, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and eosinophils.ResultsEarly asthmatic reaction was equally distributed between patients with and without signs of possible asthma by questionnaire (56.8% vs. 48.3%). The following cut‐off values showed the best combination of sensitivity and specificity for an EAR: specific IgE grass pollen 18.5 kU/L (AUC 0.83), SPT 8.5 mm (AUC 0.76), total IgE 95.5 kU/L (AUC 0.73), FEV1 102.4% (AUC 0.69), PD20FEV1 methacholine 1.67 mg (AUC 0.74), eNO 18.05 ppB (AUC 0.64) and eosinophils 115/mm3 (AUC 0.58).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThere is a considerable discordance between reported asthma signs and diagnosed disease by BAP. Simple measurement of allergen‐specific IgE for grass pollen was the best predictor of allergen‐induced asthma in patients with AR.
Challenges and opportunities in using wastewater analysis to measure drug use in a small prison facility
Authors: van Dyken Emma , Lai Foon Yin , Thai Phong K. , Ort Christoph , Bruno Raimondo , Hall Wayne , Kirkbride K. Paul , Mueller Jochen F. , Prichard Jeremy 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsWastewater analysis (WWA) is intended to be a direct and objective method of measuring substance use in large urban populations. It has also been used to measure prison substance use in two previous studies. The application ofWWAin this context has raised questions as to how best it might be used to measure illicit drug use in prisons, and whether it can also be used to measure prescription misuse. We appliedWWAto a small regional prison to measure the use of 12 licit and illicit substances. We attempted to measure the non‐medical use of methadone and buprenorphine and to compare our findings with the results of the prison's mandatory drug testing (MDT).Design and MethodsRepresentative daily composite samples were collected for two periods of 12 consecutive days inMay toJuly 2013 and analysed for 18 drug metabolites. Prescription data andMDTresults were obtained from the prison and compared with the substance use estimates calculated fromWWAdata.ResultsDaily use of methamphetamine, methadone, buprenorphine and codeine was detected, while sporadic detection of ketamine and methylone was also observed. Overall buprenorphine misuse appeared to be greater than methadone misuse.Discussion and ConclusionsCompared withMDT,WWAprovides a more comprehensive picture of prison substance use.WWAalso has the potential to measure the misuse of medically prescribed substances. However, a great deal of care must be exercised in quantifying the usage of any substance in small populations, such as in prisons.[van Dyken E, Lai FY, Thai PK, Ort C, Bruno R, Hall W, Kirkbride KP, Mueller JF, Prichard J. Challenges and opportunities in using wastewater analysis to measure drug use in a small prison facility.Drug Alcohol Rev2016;35:138–47]
Who are the New South Wales Aboriginal drug and alcohol workforce? A first description
Authors: Ella Steve , Lee KS Kylie , Childs Steve , Conigrave Katherine M. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsHistorically, Aboriginal alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers had little formal training, but this situation has changed rapidly in recent years. To understand how to better support and develop the workforce, we present the most detailed profile yet published of Aboriginal AOD workers in Australia.Design and MethodsWorkers were identified through the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Network, New South Wales. Participants completed a modified version of the Work Practice Questionnaire by pen‐and‐paper or interview in 2009.ResultsFifty‐one workers were identified, representing 85% of the known New South Wales workforce at the time. Two in three (62.7%) were male, and over half (56.9%) were aged 30–49. More workers were employed in non‐government than government (60.8% vs. 39.2%) workplaces. Workers were employed under more than four different awards and with approximately eight position titles, spanning prevention and early intervention, clinical care and workforce development. Nearly all (n = 49/51, 96.1%) felt they had the necessary experience to respond to AOD issues. However, over half (n = 27/51, 52.9%) felt too much was expected of them. Just under a third (n = 15/51, 29.4%) reported no formal supervision, with fewer non‐government workers compared with government receiving supervision (P = 0.02). Over half (n = 27/40, 67.5%%) earned AUD ≤ $50 000 annually, with government (vs. non‐government) employment and female gender predicting a salary of >$50 000.Discussion and ConclusionsTo improve worker retention and encourage professional skills development, discrepancies in salary and award conditions need addressing. Clarifying position descriptions and improving access to formal supervision are important to maximise workforce potential and reduce stress. [Ella S, Lee KSK,Childs S, Conigrave KM. Who are the New South Wales Aboriginal drug and alcohol workforce? A first description. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014]
Socioeconomic differences in alcohol‐related risk‐taking behaviours
Authors: Livingston Michael 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThere is substantial research showing that low socioeconomic position is a predictor of negative outcomes from alcohol consumption, while alcohol consumption itself does not exhibit a strong social gradient. This study aims to examine socioeconomic differences in self‐reported alcohol‐related risk‐taking behaviour to explore whether differences in risk‐taking while drinking may explain some of the socioeconomic disparities in alcohol‐related harm.Design and MethodsCross‐sectional data from current drinkers (n = 21 452) in the 2010 wave of the Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey were used. Ten items on risk‐taking behaviour while drinking were combined into two risk scores, and zero‐inflated Poisson regression was used to assess the relationship between socioeconomic position and risk‐taking while controlling for age, sex and alcohol consumption.ResultsSocioeconomically advantaged respondents reported substantially higher rates of alcohol‐related hazardous behaviour than socioeconomically disadvantaged respondents. Controlling for age, sex, volume of drinking and frequency of heavy drinking, respondents living in the most advantaged quintile of neighbourhoods reported significantly higher rates of hazardous behaviour than those in the least advantaged quintile. A similar pattern was evident for household income.Discussion and ConclusionsSocioeconomically advantaged Australians engage in alcohol‐related risky behaviour at higher rates than more disadvantaged Australians even with alcohol consumption controlled. The significant socioeconomic disparities in negative consequences linked to alcohol consumption cannot in this instance be explained via differences in behaviour while drinking. Other factors not directly related to alcohol consumption may be responsible for health inequalities in outcomes with significant alcohol involvement. [Livingston M. Socioeconomic differences in alcohol‐related risk‐taking behaviours. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:588–95]
Functional adaptation underpinned the evolutionary assembly of the earliest vertebrate skeleton
Authors: Murdock Duncan J. E. , Rayfield Emily J. , Donoghue Philip C. J. 
Published: October 2014

SUMMARYConodonts are the first vertebrates to bear a mineralized skeleton, restricted to an array of tooth‐like feeding elements. The functional implications for the development of tooth‐like elements differentiated into two tissues is tested using 2D finite element modeling, mapping the patterns of stress and strain that elements with differing material properties exhibited during function. Addition of a stiff crown does not change the patterns of stress, rather it reduces the deformation of the element under the same force regime, and distributes stress more evenly across the element. The euconodont crown, like vertebrate dental enamel, serves to stiffen the element and protect the underlying dentine. Stiffness of the crown may be a contributing factor to the subsequent diversity of euconodont form, and logically function, by allowing a greater range of feeding strategies to be employed. The euconodont crown also serves as an analogue to enamel and enameloid, demonstrating that enamel‐like tissues have evolved multiple times in independent vertebrate lineages, likely as a response to similar selective pressures. Conodonts can, therefore, serve as an independent test on hypotheses of the effect of ecology on the development of the vertebrate skeleton.