bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body composition and newborn birthweight in pregnancies of adolescent and mature women
Authors: Contreras Campos María Elena , Rodríguez‐Cervantes Nora , Reza‐López Sandra , Ávila‐Esparza Marina , Chávez‐Corral Dora Virginia , Levario‐Carrillo Margarita 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTeenage pregnancy has been associated with adverse effects for the mother and the newborn (NB). In order to compare body composition (BC) between adolescents (Ad) and mature women (MW) during pregnancy and to determine the difference in birthweight and perinatal morbidity, pregnant Ad (n = 40) and MW (n = 227) were studied. BC changes between the second and third trimesters were determined by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, and birthweight and NB morbidity were evaluated. During the second and third trimesters of the pregnancy, fat mass was lower in the Ad group [16 kg (13–19)] than in the MW group [22 kg (17–27)] (P < 0.01; median and quartiles 1–3). Fat‐free mass increased by 3.09 kg (2.29–4.20) and 2.20 kg (1.0–3.59) (P ≤ 0.01), and total body water increased by 2.77 L (0.84–4.49) vs. 2.04 L (0.55–3.89) (P = 0.36), in the Ad and MW groups, respectively (median and quartiles 1–3). Birthweight was not significantly different between NBs of Ad (3223 ± 399 g) and NBs of MW (3312 ± 427 g, P = 0.22). The youngest Ad (<18 year old, n = 8) had NB with lower birthweight than MW (3031 ± 503 g, P = 0.06). NBs of Ad mothers showed a non‐significant trend towards a higher rate of morbidity relative to the NBs of MW. In conclusion, the BC of Ad differs from that of MW during pregnancy. In addition, the NB infants of Ad mothers tended to have a lower birthweight than those from MW, a result that suggests that the Ad should be in strict prenatal control.
Desired characteristics and outcomes of community care services for persons with dementia: What is important according to clients, service providers and policy?
Authors: Low Lee‐Fay , White Fiona , Jeon Yun‐Hee , Gresham Meredith , Brodaty Henry 
Published: August 2012

AimTo examine views of Australian consumers, service providers and policy representatives on important characteristics and outcomes for community care.MethodInterviews, with 32 consumers (one person with dementia (PWD) and 31 carers), 32 service providers and four policy representatives, were analysed thematically.ResultsOutcomes important to consumers and service providers were that PWD can stay at home safely with personalised activities and socialisation; and that carers receive emotional support, respite and continue paid employment. Consumers and service providers said it was important that community care services were flexible and reliable and provided adequate hours of care and there was continuity of appropriate and well‐trained staff. Overall responses of policy representatives were congruent with consumers and service providers but did not comprehensively cover the issues.ConclusionsCommunity care policies and service practices need to be re‐examined to make sure that they are person‐centred and reflect consumer needs, for instance by integrating client and carer services and providing appropriate activities for PWD.
Which cardiovascular risk factors are associated with cardiovascular disease and predict future events in advanced age in New Zealand?
Authors: Teh Ruth O , Kerse Ngaire M , Robinson Elizabeth M , Doughty Robert N , Whalley Gillian A 
Published: August 2012

AimTo examine the relationships between cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular health at baseline, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events 28 months later, in advanced age.Methods108 adults in advanced age were recruited. Data were collected through a standardised questionnaire including a measure of physical activity, comprehensive physical assessment and fasting blood samples. CVD events at follow‐up were ascertained from hospital records.ResultsSixty‐seven per cent of participants had CVD at baseline. Physical activity (OR (95% CI): 0.99 (0.98–1.0); P = 0.04) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (OR (95% CI): 0.3 (0.09–1.0); P = 0.046) were independently associated with CVD. The 28‐month incidence rate of CVD was 6 cases/100 person‐years. Baseline diastolic BP (OR (95% CI): 0.9 (0.9–1.0); P = 0.03) and waist circumference (OR (95% CI): 1.06 (1.01–1.1); P = 0.01) were independently associated with subsequent CVD events at follow‐up.ConclusionPhysical activity and HDL levels were inversely associated with CVD at baseline but did not predict future CVD events. CVD in advanced age warrants further investigation.
Erectile Function is Improved in Aged Rats by PnTx2-6, a Toxin from Phoneutria nigriventer Spider Venom
Authors: Nunes Kenia P. , Toque Haroldo A. , Borges Marcia H. , Richardson Michael , Clinton Webb R. , de Lima Maria Elena 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Age-associated erectile dysfunction (ED) involves a decrease in nitric oxide (NO) availability and impaired relaxation. PnTx2-6, a toxin from the Phoneutria nigriventer spider, has been demonstrated to improve erectile function via NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway. This spider’s venom is characterized by several symptoms, including erection. PnTx2-6 has been implicated in this phenomenon. Animal venoms have been postulated as potential drugs to treat ED.

Aim
PnTx2-6 toxin improves erectile function in aged rats via NO/cGMP. We investigated the effect of PnTx2-6 in the erectile function of aged rats.

Main Outcome Measures
ED was evaluated through changes in intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio during electrical field stimulation (EFS) of the pelvic ganglion of aged and adult rats (70 vs. 14 weeks). In functional studies, EFS-induced relaxation of corpus cavernosum (CC) strips were performed with or without PnTx2-6 (10-8M).

Results
The decrease in erectile function associated with age was partially restored 15–20 minutes after injection of PnTx2-6 and further improved by sildenafil. PnTx2-6 enhanced EFS-induced relaxation, as well as cGMP levels in CC, from young and aged rats. Relaxation due to PnTx2-6 was further increased after 30 minutes incubation with Y-27632, a Rho-kinase inhibitor (10-6 M), in aging CC. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in aged and young cavernosal tissue was increased by incubation with PnTx2-6 (10 minutes). However, this toxin did not modify NOS expression.

Conclusion
PnTx2-6 improves penile relaxation in aged rats, via increased NOS activity and NO release, resulting in enhanced cGMP levels.
Hungarian “Jailhouse Rock”: Incidence and Morbidity of Vaseline Self-Injection of the Penis
Authors: Rosecker Ágnes , Bordás Noémi , Pajor László , Bajory Zoltán 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Vaseline self-injection into the penis is currently a popular procedure in prisons. Since such injections are illegal, severe complications of the procedure can often remain hidden.

Aim
To identify the incidence, motivation, and morbidity of Vaseline self-injection into the penis among inmates.

Methods
A total of 4,735 inmates at the largest Hungarian prisons were asked to complete a questionnaire relating to their sexual life, whether they had self-injected Vaseline into their penis, the motivation leading them to resort to Vaseline self-injection, any complications observed and the level of satisfaction attained.

Main Outcome Measures
A 17-point questionnaire on the circumstances, motivations, and complications of Vaseline self-injection among prisoners.

Results
Of the 1,905 responders, 15.7% admitted Vaseline self-injection. Only around one-fifth of the Vaseline injected subjects had not been satisfied with the original size of their penis and their sexual life up to the time of the injection, a proportion similar to that among Vaseline nonusers. While the satisfaction with the sexual life became significantly worse after the Vaseline injection, the satisfaction with the penis size did not change and an erectile dysfunction developed de novo in 21.4% of cases. The most common motivation for self-injection was a recommendation by another inmate; it was rarely recommended by a sexual partner. Complications had developed among 25.4% of the Vaseline users and 50.3% of them were not satisfied with the result of the Vaseline injection. Of the Vaseline users, 22.4% regretted the self-injection, while the rate among those who had developed complications was 53%.

Conclusions
The self-injection of Vaseline into the penile skin proved to be somewhat of a trend among these inmates. The complications depended mainly on the amount of Vaseline injected, the poor hygienic circumstances, and the personal tolerability. Increased awareness is needed for the prevention of this social, psychological, and physical problem.
The complement‐mediated prozone effect in the Luminex single‐antigen bead assay and its impact on HLA antibody determination in patient sera
Authors: Weinstock C. , Schnaidt M. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe Luminex xMAP system has become an important tool for HLA antibody screening and identification in sera of transplant patients. Recently, the Luminex single antigen bead assay was shown to be prone to an artefact, the so called prozone phenomenon: Sera with high titer HLA antibodies gave negative results when tested neat, but reacted strongly positive after 1:10 dilution. We also observed such a phenomenon and found that it was most likely caused by the complement component 1 (C1) by competitively displacing the detection antibodies. In this article we review the complement‐mediated prozone effect and other mechanisms of interference with solid phase assays, and we discuss possible consequences for HLA antibody testing with the Luminex SAB assay.
Differential vulnerability to predation in two sympatric whelks is mediated by juvenile traits
Authors: Carrasco Sergio A. , Phillips Nicole E. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn many taxa, initial differences in offspring size play an important role in mediating subsequent performance; however, the consequences of interspecific variation in size for the performance of co‐occurring taxa have been rarely examined. We used the whelks Cominella virgata and C. maculosa, which co‐occur on rocky shores throughout their life cycles, to examine the vulnerability of early life‐stages to native predators under controlled laboratory conditions. Among all the predators evaluated (the cushion sea star Patiriella spp., the olive rockfish Acanthoclinus fuscus, the oyster borer snail Haustrum scobina, the smooth shore crab Cyclograpsus lavauxi, and the pebble crab Heterozius rotundifrons), hatchlings of both species (C. virgata: ~3 mm shell length [SL] and C. maculosa: ~1.5 mm SL) were especially vulnerable to the smooth shore crab Cy. lavauxi, the only potential predator in which mortality was greater than in the control treatment. Small shore crabs (~8 mm carapace width [CW]) were unable to eat hatchlings of either whelk species, whereas medium and large shore crabs (~12 and ~18 mm CW, respectively) consumed hatchlings of both prey species. Hatchlings of C. virgata were less vulnerable to predation by medium crabs than large ones, and those of C. maculosa were equally vulnerable to both sizes of crabs. In hatchlings of both prey species, shell length and shell thickness increased over time. Two months after hatching, only individuals of C. virgata had reached a size refuge from predation. Our results show that interspecific vulnerability to predators can be mitigated by larger sizes and thicker shells at hatching; nonetheless, our results also suggest that other species‐specific factors, such as juvenile growth rate, may also play key roles in determining the vulnerability of hatchling and juvenile snails to shell‐crushing predators.
Feasibility of infrared spectroscopy with pattern recognition techniques to identify a subpopulation of mares at risk of producing foals diagnosed with failure of transfer of passive immunity
Authors: Riley CB , McClure JT , Low‐Ying S , Dolenko BK , Somorjai RL , Shaw RA 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of a serum‐based test using infrared spectroscopy to identify a subpopulation of mares at risk of producing foals susceptible to failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT) because of mare‐associated factors.Materials and methodsSerum was collected from post‐parturient mares (n= 126) and their foals at 24–72 hof age. A radial immunodiffusionIgGtest was used to determine each foal's serumIgGconcentration. Infrared absorbance spectra of dam sera were collected in the wave number range of 400–4000 cm−1. Following data preprocessing, pattern recognition techniques were used to identify spectroscopic information capable of distinguishing between mares withFPTfoals and those with normal foals. The sensitivity and specificity of infrared spectroscopy to detect risk‐positive mares were calculated.ResultsFive wave number regions were identified as optimal for distinguishing between the two groups of mares: 740.9–785.2 cm−1, 796.8–816.0 cm−1, 970.4–993.5 cm−1, 1371.6–1406.3 cm−1and 1632.0–1659.0 cm−1. Based upon the infrared spectroscopic information within these discriminatory subregions, the spectra provided the risk status of the mares with a classification success rate of 81.0%. The sensitivity of the classification system was 85.7% and specificity was 80.0%.ConclusionThis preliminary study demonstrates that infrared spectra of dam serum have the potential to provide the basis for a new periparturient screening method for a subpopulation of mares at risk of having a foal susceptible toFPT. Further development may provide an economic and rapid technique for the pre‐parturient assessment of mares.
Clinical evaluation of alfaxalone as an anaesthetic induction agent in cats less than 12 weeks of age
Authors: O'Hagan BJ , Pasloske K , McKinnon C , Perkins NR , Whittem T 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveTo assess the clinical suitability of alfaxalone as an anaesthetic induction and maintenance agent for kittens aged less than 12 weeks.Materials and methodsThe study group comprised 34 kittens aged less than 12 weeks that were presented for surgical desexing. They were aged by dentition, examined and weighed prior to premedication with acepromazine, atropine and morphine. At 20–30 min after premedication, animals were anaesthetised with intravenous alfaxalone administered to effect, using a target maximum expected dose of 5 mg/kg. All cats were intubated: 25 were maintained with isoflurane in oxygen administered with a non‐rebreathing circuit and 8 were maintained by supplemental intravenous administration of alfaxalone. Subjective measures of anaesthetic quality and vital signs were recorded from enrolment to recovery. Cats receiving supplemental alfaxalone for maintenance were evaluated for time to first supplemental dose and the total dose of supplemental alfaxalone (mg/kg/h). Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to analyse and present collected data.ResultsThe mean (±SD) dose of alfaxalone for induction was 4.7 ± 0.5 mg/kg body weight. Subjective measures of anaesthetic quality indicated acceptable induction, maintenance and recovery standards. Measured cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were well maintained.ConclusionAlfaxalone in 2‐hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin (Alfaxan®) is a suitable injectable anaesthetic induction agent for juvenile cats aged less than 12 weeks requiring anaesthesia. Maintenance of anaesthesia with supplemental doses of alfaxalone may be a suitable alternative in kittens when the use of inhalant anaesthetic maintenance is not feasible.
Ischemic Postconditioning Diminishes Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Expression and Attenuates Loss of the Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Rats Following Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion and Reperfusion
Authors: Liu Xiang‐Rong , Luo Mei , Yan Feng , Zhang Chen‐Cheng , Li Si‐Jie , Zhao Hai‐Ping , Ji Xun‐Ming , Luo Yu‐Min 
Published: August 2012

SummaryAimsIschemic postconditioning (IPostC) has been proved to have neuroprotective effects for cerebral ischemia, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study aimed at validating the neuroprotective effects of IPostC and investigating whether the neuroprotection of IPostC is associated with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and the extracellular matrix proteins, laminin and fibronectin, following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats.MethodsThe rats in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group underwent MCAO and reperfusion, and the animals in MCAO + IPostC group were treated by occluding bilateral common carotid arteries for 10 seconds and then reperfusing for 10 seconds for five episodes at the beginning of MCAO. Apoptosis was detected with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. The expression of MMP9, laminin, and fibronectin was measured with immunofluorescence and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsIPostC reduced brain edema and infarct volume and improved the neurological function. Furthermore, IPostC decreased cell apoptosis compared with the MCAO group. Compared to the MCAO group, IPostC treatment reduced MMP9 expression. Moreover, the results showed that the expression of laminin and fibronectin significantly increased in the MCAO + IPostC group compared to the MCAO group.ConclusionThese findings indicated that diminishment of MMP9 expression and the attenuation of degradation of laminin and fibronectin may be involved in the protective mechanisms of postconditioning against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Severe hindlimb lameness and pathological femur fracture in a horse secondary to haemangiosarcoma
Authors: Mahne A. T. , Marais H. J. , Rubio‐Martinez L. M. , Williams J. H. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryAn 18‐year‐old Warmblood stallion was presented for an acute onset nonweightbearing right hindlimb lameness following a mild lameness of 2 weeks' duration. Severe swelling was present in the right femoral area. Despite extensive diagnostic procedures, no definitive diagnosis could be made. Packed red cell volume was persistently low. The horse improved with supportive treatment and was discharged at the owner's request. The horse presented 4 days later for bleeding from a previously made incision on the lateral femoral area. Due to deterioration of his condition, the stallion was subjected to euthanasia. Diagnosis of disseminated haemangiosarcoma, affecting primarily the hindlimb musculature and leading to pathological fracture of the femur was made at necropsy and subsequent histopathology.
Axillary wounds in horses and the development of subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax
Authors: Joswig A. , Hardy J. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryEquine axillary wounds are common in horses. Severe and potentially life‐threatening complications that can result from axillary wounds include subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax. This report describes the occurrence of these complications and appropriate treatment. Case records of 7 horses after sustaining an axillary wound are reviewed. Of these cases, all 7 developed subcutaneous emphysema, 5 developed a pneumomediastinum and 4 developed a pneumothorax. The time between the wound occurrence and the development of subcutaneous emphysema was able to be determined in 5 of the 7 cases. The mean ± s.d. time for the development of subcutaneous emphysema following initial injury was 3.2 ± 0.84 days (range 2–4 days). Resolution of subcutaneous emphysema was not achieved until the treatment included packing the wound to stop it from acting as a one‐way valve. Horses with a pneumothorax in respiratory distress were managed with thoracocentesis or placement of thoracic drains. Horses with a pneumothorax but without respiratory distress were treated with conservative management. All horses survived to discharge.
Molecular cloning of rice serotonin N‐acetyltransferase, the penultimate gene in plant melatonin biosynthesis
Authors: Kang Kiyoon , Lee Kyungjin , Park Sangkyu , Byeon Yeong , Back Kyoungwhan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBecause of the absence of an arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (AANAT) homolog in the plant genome, the proposal was made that a GCN5‐related N‐acetyltransferase superfamily gene (GNAT) could be substituted for AANAT. To clone rice serotonin N‐acetyltransferase (SNAT), we expressed 31 rice GNAT cDNAs in Escherichia coli and screened SNAT activity by measuring N‐acetyltryptamine after application with 1 mm tryptamine. GNAT5 was shown to produce high levels of N‐acetyltryptamine in E. coli, suggesting a possible rice SNAT. To confirm SNAT activity, the GNAT5 protein was purified through affinity purification from E. coli culture. The purified recombinant GNAT5 showed high SNAT enzyme activity catalyzing serotonin into N‐acetylserotonin. The values for Km and Vmax were 385 μm and 282 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. An in vitro enzyme assay of purified SNAT showed N‐acetylserotonin formation to be proportional to enzyme concentration and time, with peak activity at pH 8.8. High substrate concentrations above 1 mm serotonin inhibited SNAT activity. Finally, the mRNA level of SNAT was higher in shoots than in roots, but it was expressed constitutively, unlike N‐acetylserotonin methyltransferase (ASMT), the terminal enzyme in melatonin synthesis. These results suggest that ASMT rather than SNAT is the rate‐limiting enzyme of melatonin biosynthesis in plants.
Melatonin ameliorates low‐grade inflammation and oxidative stress in young Zucker diabetic fatty rats
Authors: Agil Ahmad , Reiter Russel J. , Jiménez‐Aranda Aroa , Ibán‐Arias Ruth , Navarro‐Alarcón Miguel , Marchal Juan Antonio , Adem Abdu , Fernández‐Vázquez Gumersindo 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on low‐grade inflammation and oxidative stress in young male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, an experimental model of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). ZDF rats (n = 30) and lean littermates (ZL) (n = 30) were used. At 6 wk of age, both lean and fatty animals were subdivided into three groups, each composed of 10 rats: naive (N), vehicle treated (V), and melatonin treated (M) (10 mg/kg/day) for 6 wk. Vehicle and melatonin were added to the drinking water. Pro‐inflammatory state was evaluated by plasma levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and C‐reactive protein (CRP). Also, oxidative stress was assessed by plasma lipid peroxidation (LPO), both basal and after Fe2+/H2O2 inducement. ZDF rats exhibited higher levels of IL‐6 (112.4 ± 1.5 pg/mL), TNF‐α (11.0 ± 0.1 pg/mL) and CRP (828 ± 16.0 µg/mL) compared with lean rats (IL‐6, 89.9 ± 1.0, P < 0.01; TNF‐α, 9.7 ± 0.4, P < 0.01; CRP, 508 ± 21.5, P < 0.001). Melatonin lowered IL‐6 (10%, P < 0.05), TNF‐α (10%, P < 0.05), and CRP (21%, P < 0.01). Basal and Fe2+/H2O2‐induced LPO, expressed as malondialdehyde equivalents (µmol/L), were higher in ZDF rats (basal, 3.2 ± 0.1 versus 2.5 ± 0.1 in ZL, P < 0.01; Fe2+/H2O2‐induced, 8.7 ± 0.2 versus 5.5 ± 0.3 in ZL; P < 0.001). Melatonin improved basal LPO (15%, P < 0.05) in ZDF rats, and Fe2+/H2O2‐ induced LPO in both ZL (15.2%, P < 0.01) and ZDF rats (39%, P < 0.001). These results demonstrated that oral melatonin administration ameliorates the pro‐inflammatory state and oxidative stress, which underlie the development of insulin resistance and their consequences, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.