bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro and in vivodevelopment of mice morulae after storage in non-frozen conditions
Authors: de Dios Hourcade Juan , Pérez-Crespo Miriam , Serrano Alfredo , Gutiérrez-Adán Alfonso , Pintado Belén 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Interchange of genetically modified (GM) mice between laboratories using embryos provides several advantages. Not only is transport stress avoided, but also the health status of the recipient colony is not compromised. Embryos do not need to be shipped in frozen stage, which requires expensive packaging in addition to a certain degree of expertise in order to freeze and thaw them correctly. The aim of this study was to examine different storage conditions and their effect on embryo viability in order to establish the feasibility of practical, non-frozen conditions for embryo shipment.

Methods
Mouse morulae developed in vivo (collected from donors 2.5d post coitum) or in vitro (zygotes cultured until morulae stage) were stored, combining two different media (KSOMeq or KSOM-H) and temperatures (4 degrees C, 15 degrees C and 37 degrees C) throughout 24 or 48 hours. After storage in vitro viability was assessed determining percentage of development to blastocyst and total cell number. In vivo viability was determined based on the number of implantations and living fetuses after embryo transfer of stored embryos. The storage effect at the molecular level was assessed by studying a gene pool involved in early development by quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

In vivo-produced morulae stored for 24 hours did not show differences in development up to the blastocyst stage, regardless of the storage type. Even though a decrease in the total cell number in vivo was observed, embryo development after embryo transfer was not affected. All 24 hour storage conditions tested provided a similar number of implantations and fetuses at day 14 of pregnancy. Morulae obtained from in vitro embryo culture collected at the 1-cell stage showed a decreased ability to develop to blastocyst after 24 hours of storage at 15degrees C both in KSOMeq and KSOM-H. Concomitantly, a significant decrease of embryo implantation rates after transfer to recipients was also found. In order to further characterize the effect of non-frozen storage combining a molecular approach with the ordinary in vitro culture evaluation, embryos collected at the morula stage were submitted to the same storage conditions described throughout 48 hours. In vitro culture of those embryos showed a significant decrease in their developmental rate to blastocyst in both KSOMeq and KSOM-H at 15degrees C, which also affected the total number of cells. Gene transcription studies confirmed significant alterations in retrotransposons (Erv4 and Iap) after 48 h of storage at 15degrees C.

Conclusions
Our results show that both KSOMeq and KSOM-H can be equally used, and that several temperature conditions allow good survival rates in vitro and in vivo. Some of these storage conditions can substitute freezing in order to maintain embryo viability for 24–48 hours, providing a reliable and less demanding technical alternative for embryo interchanges.
Identification of swine influenza A virus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia co-infection in Chinese pigs
Authors: Hou Dongjun , Bi Yuhai , Sun Honglei , Yang Jun , Fu Guanghua , Sun Yipeng , Liu Jinhua , Pu Juan 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Influenza virus virulence can be exacerbated by bacterial co-infections. Swine influenza virus (SIV) infection together with some bacteria is found to enhance pathogenicity.

Methods
SIV-positive samples suspected of containing bacteria were used for bacterial isolation and identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disc diffusion methods. To investigate the interaction of SIV and the bacteria in vitro, guinea pigs were used as mammalian hosts to determine the effect on viral susceptibility and transmissibility. Differences in viral titers between groups were compared using Student’s t-test.

Results
During surveillance for SIV in China from 2006 to 2009, seven isolates (24.14%) of 29 influenza A viruses were co-isolated with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from nasal and tracheal swab samples of pigs. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the bacteria possessed a high level of resistance towards clinically used antibiotics. To investigate the interaction between these two microorganisms in influencing viral susceptibility and transmission in humans, guinea pigs were used as an infection model. Animals were inoculated with SIV or S. maltophilia alone or co-infected with SIV and S. maltophilia. The results showed that although no transmission among guinea pigs was observed, virus–bacteria co-infections resulted in higher virus titers in nasal washes and trachea and a longer virus shedding period.

Conclusions
This is the first report of influenza virus co-infection with S. maltophilia in the Chinese swine population. Increased replication of virus by co-infection with multidrug resistant bacteria might increase the infection rate of SIV in humans. The control of S. maltophilia in clinics will contribute to reducing the spread of SIV in pigs and humans.
Long-term outcome of irradiation with or without chemotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a final report on a prospective trial
Authors: Liu Mina , Shi Xuehui , Guo Xiaomao , Yao Weiqiang , Liu Yong , Zhao Kuaile , Jiang Guo-Liang 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the long-term outcome of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated by irradiation with or without concurrent chemotherapy.

Methods and materials
A prospective clinical trial was carried out from 1998 to 2000. One hundred and eleven patients were randomly enrolled to receive either late course accelerated hyperfractionated irradiation (LCAF) or LCAF with concurrent chemotherapy (LCAF + CT). For LCAF, 41.4 Gy in 23 fractions was first delivered at five fractions per week, followed by 27 Gy in 18 fractions at two 1.5 Gy fractions a day. Concurrent chemotherapy of cis-platinum and 5-fluorouracil was administered for four cycles. Overall survival (OS), locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis were observed. Late toxicity was scored by RTOG criteria, and quality of life (QOL) was also evaluated.

Results
The median follow-up time was 24 months for all patients and 138 months for 17 living patients. Median survival time was 25 months and 32 months in LCAF and LCAF + CT (p = 0.653), respectively. For an entire group of patients, overall survivals were 34%, 27% and 22%; locoregional recurrence rates were 30%, 36% and 41%; and distant metastasis rates were 26%, 28% and 29% at 5-yr, 8-yr and 10-yr, respectively. Incidences of ≥ Grade 3 late toxicity were 29% at 10-yr. There were no statistically significant differences between LCAF and LCAF + CT with respect to the parameters mentioned above. Cumulative incidence of late toxicities of ≥ Grade 3 increased sharply after the attained age of 70 years. Eighty-eight percent of patients lived with good KPS (≥ 90) and 94% could eat regular or soft diet.

Conclusion
The long-term outcome of esophageal SCC patients who received LCAF or LCAF + CT was good. The locoregional and distant failures occurred more often in the first three years after treatment, but could continuously occur up to 10 years. The late toxicity was acceptable. Late toxicities ≥ Grade 3 were more likely to occur in elderly patients. QOL was good in living patients.
Surgical telepresence: the usability of a robotic communication platform
Authors: Marttos Antonio , Kuchkarian Fernanda M , Palaios Emmanouil , Rojas Daniel , Abreu-Reis Phillipe , Schulman Carl 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Introduction
The benefits of telepresence in trauma and acute surgical care exist, yet its use in a live, operating room (OR) setting with real surgical cases remains limited.

Methods
We tested the use of a robotic telepresence system in the OR of a busy, level 1 trauma center. After each case, both the local and remote physicians completed questionnaires regarding the use of the system using a five point Likert scale. For trauma cases, physicians were asked to grade injury severity according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) Scaling System.

Results
We collected prospective, observational data on 50 emergent and elective cases. 64% of cases were emergency surgery on trauma patients, almost evenly distributed between penetrating (49%) and blunt injuries (51%). 40% of non-trauma cases were hernia-related. A varied distribution of injuries was observed to the abdomen, chest, extremities, small bowel, kidneys, spleen, and colon. Physicians gave the system high ratings for its audio and visual capabilities, but identified internet connectivity and crowding in the operating room as potential challenges. The loccal clinician classified injuries according to the AAST injury grading system in 63% (n=22) of trauma cases, compared to 54% (n=19) of cases by the remote physicians. The remote physician cited obstruction of view as the main reason for the discrepancy. 94% of remote physicians and 74% of local physicians felt comfortable communicating via the telepresence system. For 90% of cases, both the remote and local physicians strongly agreed that a telepresence system for consultations in the OR is more effective than a telephone conversation.

Conclusions
A telepresence system was tested on a variety of surgical cases and demonstrated that it can be an appropriate solution for use in the operating room. Future research should determine its impact on processes of care and surgical outcomes.
Enhancing trauma education worldwide through telemedicine
Authors: Marttos Antonio C , Kuchkarian Fernanda M , Abreu-Reis Phillipe , Pereira Bruno MT , Collet-Silva Francisco S , Fraga Gustavo P 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Advances in information and communication technologies are changing the delivery of trauma care and education. Telemedicine is a tool that can be used to deliver expert trauma care and education anywhere in the world. Trauma is a rapidly-evolving field requiring access to readily available sources of information. Through videoconferencing, physicians can participate in continuing education activities such as Grand Rounds, seminars, conferences and journal clubs. Exemplary programs have shown promising outcomes of teleconferences such as enhanced learning, professional collaborations, and networking. This review introduces the concept of telemedicine for trauma education, and highlights efforts of programs that are utilizing telemedicine to unite institutions across the world.
The Mental Capacity Act and mental healthcare in prison: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Davies Sharon , Dimond Claire 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe UK Mental Health Act 1983 does not apply in prison. The legal framework for the care and treatment of people with mental illness in prison is provided by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. We raise dilemmas about its use. We highlight how assessing best interests and defining harm involves making challenging judgements. How best interests and harm are interpreted has a potentially significant impact on clinical practice within a prison context.
Sector and functional models of consultant care: in-patient satisfaction with psychiatrists
Authors: Laugharne Richard , Pant Milind 
Published: August 2012

Aims and methodTo investigate in-patient satisfaction with psychiatrists, comparing National Health Service (NHS) trusts with sector consultants against NHS trusts with separate in-patient and community consultants (the functional model). The Care Quality Commission's in-patient survey was used, comparing mean scores on four questions concerning patient satisfaction with consultants.ResultsPatients scored higher for being treated with respect in trusts with sector consultants. In questions concerning trust, being listened to and getting adequate time, patient satisfaction scores were again higher for sector consultants, but did not reach 5% significance.Clinical implicationsMoving to a split between in-patient and community consultants may reduce in-patient satisfaction with care. The continuity of care with sector-based consultants may be a factor in greater in-patient satisfaction.
What counts for ants? How return behaviour and food search of Cataglyphis ants are modified by variations in food quantity and experience
Authors: Bolek Siegfried , Wittlinger Matthias , Wolf Harald 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARY
When finding more food than one is able to carry home, should one come back to the site to exploit it further? This question is crucial for central place foragers that provide for a home place with brood or nest mates. The benefit of returning has to be weighed against the chance of finding food elsewhere and the resources available. Desert ants Cataglyphis fortis are well-studied examples when it comes to navigating back and forth between their nest and a foraging area, due to their primary reliance on path integration in the open and featureless desert habitat. The ants use path integration not only for a safe return from their foraging trips but also for future returns to plentiful feeding sites. The direction from the nest that has previously yielded food items is preferred for future foraging trips, a phenomenon termed sector fidelity. What prompts the ants to return to a particular site, and how faithfully they search for that place, has not been well studied. We examine the evaluation of food sources in channel experiments by varying both the number of food items in a feeder and the number of visits to the feeder before testing search distances of foragers returning to the feeding site. Ants exhibited more focused searches for plentiful food sources than for sources with only few food items upon their first return visit. After several successful visits, the ants always searched thoroughly for the food source, independent of the amount of food offered. Thus, desert ants consider both food abundance and reliability of food encounter, with corroborative learning of reliability gradually overriding the initial preference for plentiful feeders. The density of food items appears to be used by the ants as a proxy for food abundance. On the level of our analysis, the searches performed in the experimental channels are indistinguishable from those performed in the open desert terrain. The present results not only demonstrate how otherwise well-studied desert ants assess yield and experience with reliability of food sources, but also establish a model system for future study of how itemised food sources are exploited.
Temperature dependence of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions in tympanal organs of locusts
Authors: Möckel Doreen , Kössl Manfred , Lang Julian , Nowotny Manuela 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARY
Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in tympanal organs of insects are vulnerable to manipulations that interfere with the animal's physiological state. Starting at a medium temperature, we raised and lowered the locust's body temperature within the range of 12 to 35°C by changing the temperature of the surrounding air, while recording DPOAEs. These experimental manipulations resulted in reversible amplitude changes of the 2f1–f2 emission, which were dependent on stimulus frequency and level. Using low f2 frequencies of up to 10 kHz, a temperature increase (median +8–9°C) led to an upward shift of DPOAE amplitudes of approximately +10 dB, whereas a temperature decrease (median −7°C) was followed by a reduction of DPOAE amplitudes by 3 to 5 dB. Both effects were only present in the range of the low-level component of DPOAE growth functions below L2 levels (levels of the f2 stimulus) of approximately 30 dB SPL. DPOAEs evoked by higher stimulus levels as well as measurements using higher stimulation frequencies above 10 kHz remained unaffected by any temperature shifts. The Arrhenius activation energy was calculated from the −10 dB SPL thresholds (representing the low-level component) of growth functions, which had been measured with 8 and 10 kHz as f2 frequencies and amounted to up to ~34 and 41 kJ mol−1, respectively. Such activation energy values provide a hint that the dynein-tubulin system within the scolopidial receptors could play an essential part in the DPOAE generation in tympanal organs.
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Induced by a Single Dose of Oral Cyclophosphamide
Authors: Gilbar Peter J , Richmond Joshua , Wood John , Sullivan Aimee 
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) induced by a single oral dose of cyclophosphamide. CASE SUMMARY: A 69-year-old woman was treated with oral CTD (cyclophosphamide/thalidomide/dexamethasone) chemotherapy for multiple myeloma. Two days after the first dose (including cyclophosphamide 500 mg), the patient developed vomiting, drowsiness, and headache. Medication history included sertraline, started in 2005. On admission, laboratory values were serum sodium 113 mEq/L, serum osmolality 240 mOsm/kg, urinary osmolality 701 mOsm/kg, urinary sodium 91 mEq/L, and serum creatinine 0.71 mg/dL. Thyroid and adrenal function were normal. SIADH was diagnosed. Cyclophosphamide and sertraline were stopped and fluid restriction was commenced. The patient was discharged on day 9 following chemotherapy with serum sodium 132 mEq/L. Sertraline was restarted. Four days later she developed vomiting with serum sodium 119 mEq/L. Fluid restriction, which the woman had not performed, was reinstituted and she was discharged on day 17. Two further cycles of chemotherapy were subsequently given without cyclophosphamide and serum sodium remained within normal limits. DISCUSSION: Cyclophosphamide-induced severe hyponatremia and SIADH have been documented in patients receiving treatment for a wide range of malignant and autoimmune disorders. All cases have involved intravenous therapy, with doses ranging from single pulse doses of 500 mg to 3000 mg/m2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a common cause of SIADH. Because sertraline was instituted in 2005 and reinstituted without incident, it was eliminated as a contributing factor. Malignancy, tumor lysis syndrome, other medications, hydration to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis, and renal impairment were also ruled out. The Naranjo probability scale indicated a probable association between SIADH and cyclophosphamide administration. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, our report represents the first case of SIADH due to a single oral dose of cyclophosphamide. Clinicians should be aware of this rare adverse event, as it can have life-threatening consequences.
The Server and the Served: Food, Feeding, and Consumption in Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Kodiyettam
Authors: Ganguly Suranjan 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A man sits on the floor wolfing down his food while a woman, seated across, serves him from time to time. Anyone familiar with Adoor Gopalakrishnan's oeuvre would immediately recognize this visual trope since it surfaces in almost all his major films, including his recent Naalu Pennungal/Four Women (2007). Food and its consumption, in fact, are integral to his exploration of gender relations in his native Kerala. Along with the physical act of eating, he seeks to capture the psychological, social, and cultural dynamics of a ritual involving two individuals.
Governance through Difference in Singapore
Authors: Vasu Norman 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Although the normative ideal of multiculturalism is the accommodation of communal differences, Singaporean multiculturalism is instead integral to a corporatist form of governance. This article argues that an emerging Singaporean-ness antithetical to the necessary inter-communal divisions required for corporatism poses a strong challenge to the manner in which the city-state is governed.
Diminished adrenal sensitivity and ACTH efficacy in obese premenopausal women
Authors: Roelfsema Ferdinand , Pijl Hanno , Keenan Daniel M , Veldhuis Johannes D 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundThe ACTH–cortisol axis in women is activated and associated with decreased ACTH potency, estimated by relating ACTH and cortisol pulse masses. Recently, a new accurate method for constructing the endogenous dose–response relationship was introduced, which is based on the relation between ACTH concentrations and associated cortisol secretion rates within cortisol bursts.HypothesisThe endogenous dose–response relation between ACTH and cortisol in obesity is changed, leading to diminished responsiveness.SubjectsTwenty-five obese premenopausal women and 16 normal weight premenopausal women were studied by 10-min blood sampling for 24 h.OutcomesACTH and cortisol secretion rates, analytical dose–response estimates of endogenous ACTH efficacy (maximal cortisol secretion), dynamic ACTH potency, and adrenal sensitivity (slope term) from 24-h ACTH–cortisol profiles were quantified.ResultsThe initial potency (negative logarithm) was −7.83±0.75 (mean±s.e.m.) in obese women and −10.14±1.08 in lean women (P=0.10), and the corresponding values for the recovery phase were −26.62±2.21 and −36.67±1.66 (P=0.004). The sensitivity (curve slope) amounted to 0.468±0.05 in obese women and 0.784±0.09 in normal weight women (P=0.004). The efficacy (maximal value) was 17.6±4.9 nmol/l per min in obese women and 26.3±3.8 nmol/l per min in normal weight women (P=0.009). Basal secretion rate, inflection point, and EC50values were not different. Bromocriptine or acipimox did not change the dose–response curve.ConclusionThe ACTH–cortisol relation in obesity in women is characterized by decreased sensitivity and efficacy, thus explaining non-elevated serum cortisol concentrations despite increased plasma ACTH levels.
Enzymatic catalysed synthesis and gelation of ionic peptides for 3D cell culture applications.
Authors: Guilbaud Jean-Baptiste , Szkolar Laura , Miller Aline F. , Saiani Alberto 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThe enzymatic catalyzed synthesis and gelation of an ionic peptide and its use to create hydrogels for 3D cell culture is discussed. Time resolved small angle scattering in conjunction with imaging technique allowed the structural changes occurring through this enzymatic reaction to be assessed. In turn, the structural information about the fibrillar network and its local density proved key in facilitating the understanding of the relationships between self-assembly behavior, local nanostructure and final physical properties of the materials. The understanding of the gelation process of these materials allowed the design of a simple and efficient methodology to prepare gels for cell culture. Tetrapeptide/enzyme solution containing cells could be injected into cell culture plate with subsequent gelation of the materials leading to encapsulation of the cells into a 3D network. This system was evaluated for the 3D cell culture of human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Microscopy showed that cells were uniformly distributed within the gel matrix. Cell counting and live/dead staining showed proliferation of HDF with limited cell death over 10 days.
Ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors fabricated from multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA) coated ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Shao Dali , Qin Liqiao , Sawyer Shayla 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEnhanced near band-edge (NBE) emission was observed from composite structures fabricated from a PVA coated ZnO (PVA-ZnO) nanoparticle thin film embedded with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The enhancement is attributed to the resonant coupling between the bandgap transition of the semiconductor and the surface plasmon (SP) of MWCNTs. Moreover, the PVA-ZnO/MWCNTs/PVA-ZnO composite structures show faster transient response, which is due to the carrier transportation process in the composite structure. Reductions are observed for both photocurrent to dark current ratio and intensity of photoresponsivity, demonstrating a tradeoff between the time transient response and the detectivity.